TransLink Data to Google Transit?

[ozbob]

Google Transit Partner Program

--> http://maps.google.com/help/maps/transit/partners/

Transit on Google Maps is a public transportation planning tool that combines the latest agency data with the power of Google Maps. It integrates transit stop, route, schedule, and fare information to make trip planning quick and easy for everyone. For agencies around the world, Google Maps is a cost-effective solution targeted at transit novices and seasoned travelers alike. Google Maps is available in 12 different languages and is compatible with screen readers for the visually impaired. The Transit on Google Maps feature is available on selected mobile devices through Google Maps for mobile. Public transportation information is also included in Google Earth.

Feedback received:

Just wanted to email you regarding a post on Translink releasing their GTFS information to Google for use in Google Transit. I'm not sure if you're aware, Sydney recently released their information to Google. I have been waiting for this feature for a long time now, and I have sent requests to Google to meet with Translink, I've asked Translink's Twitter regarding the issue and even asked for reasons why it hasnt been completed to Google Australia on Google+.

One of the new features of Android is the ability to get live upcoming buses anywhere depending on your location. So say for example, you are near a bus station or any bus stop on a street. You can pull up 'Google Now' and instantly get all the upcoming buses for that location. Instantly. This feature is amazing and it is available anywhere Google Transit has been implemented. Sadly, not Brisbane.

I also think its a joke that over 500 cities around the world have this feature and Brisbane doesn't. So much for being a technologically advanced city. With the possibility in job cuts in Translink who knows when we will ever get this. It's even sadder because Google provides the service free of charge.

Main reasons why it should be implemented:
- Technological advancement (bringing us up to speed with 500+ cities...like Adelaide)
- Instant live schedules anywhere on phones
- Free of charge courtesy of Google
- Translink runs on schedules timetable so easily implemented as GTFS
- Promised since 2010
- Easier accessibility to timetables for buses for children at stations and tourists who are familiar with Google Transit (already available in their countries)

GTFS = General Transit Feed Specification

[somebody]

It's an axiom.

[ozbob]

Example, Parramatta to Ultimo

View Larger Map

[ozbob]

http://www.gtfs-data-exchange.com/

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane roads now on the virtual map

Brisbane roads now on the virtual map

August 11, 2012
Katherine Feeney

Motorists rejoice - live traffic updates for Brisbane roads are now available via Directions on Google Maps as the search giant updates the monitoring service first launched across major Australian cities in 2009.

This latest upgrade to the journey-planning function of the digital mapping service follows the recent inclusion of the city's bicycle paths in the data streams which already enable public transport and walking route options.

It means people can now also take current traffic conditions into account when determining how best to get around Brisbane by using Maps to plot a route and selecting "get directions".

The driving journey estimations rely on data from mobile Maps users who have GPS enabled and the "My Location" feature turned on while travelling on Brisbane streets.

These live updates combine with the historic traffic data used by the original mapping service.

A spokeswoman for Google Australia said the Google Maps feature was designed to give an accurate understanding trip times.

''For example, if you're looking for directions from the Gold Coast to West End, we know you're not going to arrive in Brisbane for at least another hour,'' she said.

''Therefore what the current traffic in Brisbane looks like when you set off on your journey is less relevant.

''What Google Maps does is look at the traffic in Brisbane at the same time last week, and use that to make a prediction on what traffic will be like when you actually drive into Brisbane.''

However, the user-generated element can mean there are gaps in the live information available to motorists.

A test trip by car to the Brisbane Airport from Bowen Hills planned this morning revealed two suggested routes, one via Shaftston Avenue and the Gateway Motorway and the other using the Clem7 tunnel and Kingsford Smith Drive, offered no live traffic updates for the Tunnel.

And new road infrastructure – such as the recently completely Airport Link tunnel – takes a while to enter the mapping database meaning some alternative routes may be overlooked.

But Google is hoping the more motorists use their software the better the directions will be, encouraging drivers with smartphones to activate their devices while on the road via their website.

"If you'd like to help make our estimates better through crowdsourcing and have a GPS-enabled phone, try using Google Maps for mobile the next time you're in traffic," the company writes.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/brisbane-roads-now-on-the-virtual-map-20120810-23ypq.html

[haakon]

The annoying thing is creating that data in the correct format is not that hard. One of my friends as an experiment created a perl script that would scrape the Translink train timetable pdfs and generate the Google data format. The only thing it didn't handle properly was the Friday only trains.

If he could get a data set of all the bus station coordinates, the same data transformation could be done to the bus timetable pdfs.

The fact that Translink still have not done this after years of repeated requests by many many commuters is frankly ludicrous.

Perhaps it's time to start a petition.

[ozbob]

Not much doubt about this ... lol

What is wrong with this state??

[Fares_Fair]

Do you think TransLink should release their GTFS information to Google for use in Google Transit?


Yes? 12 (100%)
No?    0 (0%)
Other - please explain. 0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 12

Voting closes: August 22, 2012, 08:02:12 AM

Looks like this will be a pretty clear result, running at 100%

[HappyTrainGuy]

Needs to be a who gives a damn option for me to vote in haha.

[ozbob]

Media release 26 August 2012

SEQ: Call for TransLink to release GTFS information for Google Transit

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for the release of TransLink's GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) information to Google for use in Google Transit (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The list of Transit Agencies providing GTFS is a long one (2). The list includes Adelaide, Perth and Sydney."

Main reasons why it should be implemented:

- Technological advancement (bringing us up to speed with 500+ cities like Adelaide)

- Instant live schedules anywhere on smart phones

- Free of charge courtesy of Google

- Translink runs on schedules timetable so easily implemented as GTFS

- Easier accessibility to timetables for buses for children at stations and tourists who are familiar with Google Transit (already available in their countries)

"Support for adding the south-east Queensland TransLink network information to Google Transit is wide spread.  A recent poll at RAIL Back On Track was 100% in support (3)."

"This is one initiative that would have considerable benefit for public transport in south-east Queensland at very little cost. Time we moved on from being a public transport backwater."

References:

1.  Google Transit http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy

2.  Transit Agencies Providing GTFS Data http://www.gtfs-data-exchange.com/agencies

3.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8900.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy

Australian transit systems accessible via Google Transit

Australia

Adelaide, SA Adelaide Metro

Airlie Beach, QLD QConnect-Whitsunday Transit

Bowen, QLD QConnect-Bowen

Bundaberg, QLD QConnect-Duffys/Stewarts

Burnie, Tasmania Metro Tasmania

Cairns, QLD Sunbus

Canberra, ACT ACTION

Darwin, NT Public Transport Division

Devonport, Tasmania Merseylink

Gladstone, QLD QConnect-Polleys Coaches

Gympie, QLD QConnect-Gympie

Hervey Bay - Maryborough - Fraser Coast, QLD QConnect-Wide Bay Transit

Innisfail, QLD QConnect-Trans North

Kilcoy, QLD qconnect-kilcoy

Mackay, QLD QConnect-Mackay Transit Coaches

Magnetic Island, QLD Sunbus

Maleny, QLD QConnect

New South Wales Sydney Monorail & Light Rail, Hawkesbury Valley, Berrima Buslines, Veolia (Region 10), Dangar Island Ferry, Interline Bus, Liverpool-Parramatta T-Way, Westbus Windsor, Stuarts Coaches, Manly Fast Ferry, Hunter Valley Buses (OM Region 4), Church Point Ferry, Newcastle Buses and Ferries, Hopkinsons, Rail Replacement Bus, Nowra Coaches, Port Stephens Coach, Shorelink, Palm Beach Ferry, Bathurst Buslines, Cronulla Ferries, NightRide, Special Event Buses, Central Coast Ferry, Kennedys Bus Service, Sydney Buses, Hillsbus Region 4, Red Bus Service, Westbus Penrith, Westbus Region 3, Hunter Valley Buses (OM Region 2), Maianbar Bus Service, Punchbowl Bus, Rover Coaches, Busabout Region 2, CityRail, Forest Coach Lines, Picton Buslines, Green's Northern Coaches, Blue Mountains Bus Company, Kiama Coachlines, Lithgow Buslines, Busways (Region 6), Sydney Fast Ferries, Veolia (Region 11), Veolia (Region 13), Matilda Cruises, Oliveris Metro Link, Busways (Region 1), Busways (Region 15), Busways (Region 6), Shoalbus, Premier Illawarra, Dions Bus Service, Sydney Ferries, Major Event Buses

Perth, WA Transperth

Toowomba, QLD QConnect-Bus QLD

Townsville, QLD TAG

Warwick, QLD QConnect-Warwick

[ozbob]

QConnect on Google Transit, but not TransLink ...

What happens when TransLink takes over QConnect?

[ozbob]

Twitter

mXBrisbane ‏@mXBrisbane

In @mXBrisbane today, why you won't find Brisbane's public transport routes on Google Transit any time soon.

[verbatim9]

Dont have access to MX but someone please scan the article to read Thanks :conf

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 27th August 2012 page 1

Trans-unLinked

[verbatim9]

Ta, I thought the Liberals were all about public private agreements that cost nothing?

Priority - GFTS Realtime Data release to Google Maps! https://developers.google.com/transit/gtfs-realtime/

[verbatim9]

http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy

Australian transit systems accessible via Google Transit

Australia

Adelaide, SA Adelaide Metro

Airlie Beach, QLD QConnect-Whitsunday Transit

Bowen, QLD QConnect-Bowen

Bundaberg, QLD QConnect-Duffys/Stewarts

Burnie, Tasmania Metro Tasmania

Cairns, QLD Sunbus

Canberra, ACT ACTION

Darwin, NT Public Transport Division

Devonport, Tasmania Merseylink

Gladstone, QLD QConnect-Polleys Coaches

Gympie, QLD QConnect-Gympie

Hervey Bay - Maryborough - Fraser Coast, QLD QConnect-Wide Bay Transit

Innisfail, QLD QConnect-Trans North

Kilcoy, QLD qconnect-kilcoy

Mackay, QLD QConnect-Mackay Transit Coaches

Magnetic Island, QLD Sunbus

Maleny, QLD QConnect

New South Wales Sydney Monorail & Light Rail, Hawkesbury Valley, Berrima Buslines, Veolia (Region 10), Dangar Island Ferry, Interline Bus, Liverpool-Parramatta T-Way, Westbus Windsor, Stuarts Coaches, Manly Fast Ferry, Hunter Valley Buses (OM Region 4), Church Point Ferry, Newcastle Buses and Ferries, Hopkinsons, Rail Replacement Bus, Nowra Coaches, Port Stephens Coach, Shorelink, Palm Beach Ferry, Bathurst Buslines, Cronulla Ferries, NightRide, Special Event Buses, Central Coast Ferry, Kennedys Bus Service, Sydney Buses, Hillsbus Region 4, Red Bus Service, Westbus Penrith, Westbus Region 3, Hunter Valley Buses (OM Region 2), Maianbar Bus Service, Punchbowl Bus, Rover Coaches, Busabout Region 2, CityRail, Forest Coach Lines, Picton Buslines, Green's Northern Coaches, Blue Mountains Bus Company, Kiama Coachlines, Lithgow Buslines, Busways (Region 6), Sydney Fast Ferries, Veolia (Region 11), Veolia (Region 13), Matilda Cruises, Oliveris Metro Link, Busways (Region 1), Busways (Region 15), Busways (Region 6), Shoalbus, Premier Illawarra, Dions Bus Service, Sydney Ferries, Major Event Buses

Perth, WA Transperth

Toowomba, QLD QConnect-Bus QLD

Townsville, QLD TAG

Warwick, QLD QConnect-Warwick

One step forward but Brisbane should go the extra step and provide real time too https://developers.google.com/transit/gtfs-realtime/

[ozbob]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/it-business/google-rolls-out-voice-navigation-for-cyclists-in-australia/story-e6frganx-1226461300335

:bi

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLink SEQ ‏@TransLinkSEQ

@translinkseqplu @humantransit Hi, we're progressing on our plans to allow open access data. #WatchThisSpace

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) for TransLink SEQ now available --> http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/patronage-and-customer-satisfaction ...

=====================

Stumbled on this ...

[somebody]

That's a positive.

[aldonius]

This is excellent.

[Gazza]

I'm having a look through the txt files now to see how much they have put into it.

There's no file dealing with fares at present, nor are fare zones in the stops.txt file, but they have been good and defined parent stations (Eg all stops at Chermside are "place_INTCHE")
Those new stop codes are in the file too, and co-ordinate with what happens in the journey planner too, which is nice.

Also missing is defining the stop time zone for Tweed Heads Centro and others in NSW (The specification allows for defining if stops are in different timezones!)
For those interested in interpreting how to interpret it, see https://developers.google.com/transit/gtfs/reference

[aldonius]

Mapnificent now covers Brisbane. 

http://www.mapnificent.net/brisbane/

[ozbob]

mXBrisbane ‏@mXBrisbane

Commuters will soon have an app to check trains and buses thanks to Google. @TransLinkSEQ tells @mXBrisbane Google Transit is coming to BNE.

[SurfRail]

'bout time.

[somebody]

Still might be a while before real time data is implemented.

[Gazza]

Realtime GTFS is only a relatively new thing, not many cities have it..I'll just be happy to be able to check trips from Google Maps directly.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

No arrival time yet for Google Transit

No arrival time yet for Google Transit
Natalie Bochenski April 5, 2013 - 12:01AM

Where is Google Transit for Brisbane?

That's the question keen smartphone and public transport users are asking.

Google Transit is a free service provided by the internet giant which allows real-time public transport information to be accessed via the Google Maps iPhone/Android apps.

Other state capitals including Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, plus more than a dozen Queensland regional towns, have signed up.
Advertisement

But a Google Maps search for transit services in Brisbane produces a message stating that the city is "outside our current coverage area".

"Google Transit is well used, well known and it certainly seems to do the job," said Robert Dow from lobby group Rail Back on Track.

He said it would be of particular value to tourists as it becomes a standard system used worldwide.

"Even if they did it in addition to their normal Journey Planner, it would still be of great value," Mr Dow said.

It is understood that TransLink and Google are working together on the project, but both sides are keeping mum on a release date.

"We're always working to bring new transit partners on board to provide live data to more people in more cities, but have nothing to announce for Brisbane right now," a Google spokesperson said.

"TransLink's most up-to-date GTFS [general transit feed specification] file is available for third-party use," a TransLink spokesperson said.

Mr Dow speculated that the delay could mean TransLink's feed might not be up to Google's technical requirements.

"We believe there is more work to be done to make TransLink's GTFS data more reliable and updated," he said.

He said the final bus network review, which Transport Minister Scott Emerson last month handed to Brisbane City Council, could be another delay.

The review opens for public feedback from April 22 to May 20, with a final release of plans on June 1.

Meanwhile, enterprising YouTube users are already finding ways to utilise TransLink's GTFS data.

Canadian IT and data visualisation company Sumus has used the information to visually represent 24 hours of Brisbane's public transport services as high-speed moving dots.

[ozbob]

Brisbane (Queensland), Australia transit: one day of activity

[#Metro]

^ The reason why TL should design the system and not BCC is right there. Employment and commuting is now no longer contained within BCC boundaries and is cross-regional. Buses need to go beyond BCC boundaries. Also terrible cross suburban movement opportunities with an everything to the centre network. Where is the dot for the GCL???

[ozbob]

Shows the radial network well.  Guess the GCL just doesn't show up against the other stuff.

But agree, the network is bigger than BCC.

I guess we are finally at rock bottom.

A broken bus network.

A rail network that is having ongoing infrastructure and train issues.

A fare system that is bananas and driving away passengers.

A confused political dynamic at the state level, who is actually in charge?

A federal opposition, and possibly a likely government,  apparently against any funding of public transport infrastructure.

===============

Well, when at the bottom the only direction is up, although bit hard to see how at this time ...

[#Metro]

Will Tony Abbott fund NCL upgrades? That's on the National Freight Route   

[ozbob]

Will Tony Abbott fund NCL upgrades? That's on the National Freight Route   

Possibly, if you tell him it is standard gauge ...

[SurfRail]

Possibly, if you tell him it is standard gauge ...

What, 4 lane divided median?

[petey3801]

Will Tony Abbott fund NCL upgrades? That's on the National Freight Route   

Possibly, if you tell him it is standard gauge ...

By memory, he said his Government would continue to support interstate rail (freight), so he's ruled out the NCL as well! 

[Fares_Fair]

Will Tony Abbott fund NCL upgrades? That's on the National Freight Route   

Possibly, if you tell him it is standard gauge ...

By memory, he said his Government would continue to support interstate rail (freight), so he's ruled out the NCL as well! 

Interstate would include to Brisbane, and the Brisbane Metropolitan area includes the 104km to Nambour, according to the 2007 Brisbane to Cairns Corridor Strategy.

[petey3801]

Will Tony Abbott fund NCL upgrades? That's on the National Freight Route   

Possibly, if you tell him it is standard gauge ...

By memory, he said his Government would continue to support interstate rail (freight), so he's ruled out the NCL as well! 

Interstate would include to Brisbane, and the Brisbane Metropolitan area includes the 104km to Nambour, according to the 2007 Brisbane to Cairns Corridor Strategy.

That may be what the Brisbane to Cairns Corridor Study defined it as, but no part of the QLD NCL is included in the DIRN (Defined Interstate Rail Network), and I suspect Mr Abbot was referring to the DIRN. The DIRN is basically the SG network linking all mainland capitals (except the Darwin line and the Canberra branch). The DIRN is managed and leased by the ARTC, who are wholly owned by the Federal Government, and I suspect that is the only company who will be receiving money from the Abbot Government for rail.

[Fares_Fair]

Thanks Petey,

Point is noted and your assumption probably correct.
The ARTC controls from NSW/Queensland Border up to Acacia Ridge.

However, it is a part of the National Land Transport Network, and is / has been eligible for funding under current parameters.
e.g. http://australia.gov.au/topics/transport/rail-transport Text reproduced below.

Nation Building Program
The Australian Government is investing $26.7 billion on road and rail infrastructure through the Nation Building Program.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government is delivering this investment through a range of road and rail programs and projects across the National Land Transport Network.
http://www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/


Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
The Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd (ARTC) was created after the Australian and State governments agreed in 1997 to the formation of a 'one stop' shop for all operators seeking access to the National interstate rail network. ARTC currently has responsibility for the management of 4430 route kilometres of standard gauge interstate track, mainly in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
http://www.artc.com.au/

Note the 'mainly in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia' part.
Does that leave Queensland at a disadvantage? Probably.
Is that constitutional? Unsure.

Does a congested single track line qualify, which carries freight up to far north Queensland, and may cause food shortages if interrupted, thus causing unequal access to markets, a powerful argument? Perhaps.
Is that constitutional? Unsure.


and as an aside...

Rail safety
The Australilan Transport Safety Bureau conducts rail safety investigations on the Defined Interstate Rail Network.
The investigation role is linked to the ATSB's objective of safe transport, focuses on national outcomes, and is independent of industry and Governments' regulatory role.
http://www.atsb.gov.au/rail/rail-safety.aspx

Interestingly, the ATSB was called in to do the Cleveland investigation (and didn't refuse) despite being outside of the DIRN.

[somebody]

Note the 'mainly in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia' part.
Does that leave Queensland at a disadvantage? Probably.
Is that constitutional? Unsure.

I'm sure there would be no problem.  Unfair funding arrangements for different states have been constitutional for decades.