Latest news with #GTFS


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Bengaluru adopts GTFS data format, paving way for seamless multimodal transit with ‘Namma Transit' launch
In a significant step towards transforming Bengaluru's public transport ecosystem, the city has formally adopted the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) through the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) platform. The move is significant, as it lays the digital groundwork for seamless integration across metro, bus, and last-mile services. Marking this shift, Namma Yatri launched 'Namma Transit' on Friday, a new feature within its app designed to unify bus, metro and first- and last-mile services into a single, guided journey. With real-time multimodal navigation, the feature informs users which metro station to head to, which platform and gate to use, and how to connect with autos or cabs – all in one app. 'Currently, the feature is open to only select users. In the coming days, the feature can be accessed by all of them,' said Shan M S, Chief Operating Officer, Namma Yatri. At the core of this transformation is GTFS, an open data format for public transit schedules and real-time updates, used globally in over 6,000 cities. GTFS data allows journey planners like Namma Yatri and Tummoc to combine schedules, live vehicle locations, and route maps from multiple operators into one accessible interface. For commuters, this means they can now check when the next bus or train is arriving, whether it aligns with their travel needs, and even plan onward connections with autos – all in real time. The availability of this data facilitates smarter trip planning, faster commutes, and improved last-mile accessibility. The adoption of GTFS was enabled through collaboration among public agencies and private innovators. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) IT team standardised and streamed real-time data from over 6,000 buses, sending updates every 10 seconds – a complex task that required months of technical effort and coordination. The initiative also stems from the #EnRoute Innovation Challenge, supported by World Resources Institute (WRI) India, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, and Villgro, which brought together service providers like Namma Yatri and Tummoc to develop commuter-centric, interoperable solutions. 'When commuters can easily find cost-effective, fast, and reliable transport options, the dependence on personal vehicles reduces. Knowing exactly which bus to take, how far it is, and whether last-mile options are available – even during a rainy evening – makes public transport a dependable option,' added Shan.


The Hindu
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
‘When data talks, Bengaluru congestion quits': IISc scientist backs open data for seamless city mobility
The use of General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), which has now become a global standard for public transport, has transformed how people navigate urban transit systems, said Raghu Krishnapuram, senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and co-founder of the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX). Speaking at the launch of the Namma Transit feature by cab and auto aggregator 'Namma Yatri' on Friday, Mr. Krishnapuram said, 'Open and interoperable data layers turn buses, metros, and autorickshaws into one seamless graph. When data talks, congestion quits.' Highlighting how such platforms make infrastructure more intuitive and accessible, Mr. Krishnapuram said that the Namma Transit feature offers an integrated app experience by bringing together metro, auto, and cab services, enabling smoother multimodal travel in Bengaluru. As part of the #EnRoute Innovation Challenge supported by World Resources Institute, India, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and Villgro, Namma Yatri has developed this new feature. Bengaluru has now joined a select group of cities using the IUDX platform to publish GTFS data feeds from both BMTC and BMRCL. Namma Transit, currently available to a select group of users and set for a wider rollout in the coming week, provides real-time journey planning across different modes of transport. 'The app offers live tracking, platform details, and timely prompts to change modes or exit at the correct stop,' said Shan M.S., co-founder of Namma Yatri. Rethink ban on shared auto, cabs: Tejasvi Surya At the event, MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya unveiled the Mobility Blueprint 2030, prepared by Namma Yatri, which sets ambitious goals including a 70% public transport mode share, halving commute times and emissions, and building a robust multimodal infrastructure through collaboration with the private sector. Mr. Surya said, 'Bengaluru needs a dedicated transport manifesto to address its unique traffic issues. Shared autos and cabs are an economic necessity, but they are unfortunately banned here. We must rethink this.' He further advocated for allowing private operators to run buses in Bengaluru to address the shortage in BMTC services. 'The BMTC alone cannot handle the city's growing transport demands. Private bus operators must be part of the solution,' he said.


New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Multimodal transport apps will help you plan daily commute in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Tummoc and Namma Yatri launched new public transit features powered by open data, enabling seamless Metro, bus and auto planning. The apps are winners of the Enroute Challenge by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), World Resources Institute (WRI) India, and Villgro, marking the city's first end-to-end Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions. The initiative was unveiled by Minister for IT/BT Priyank Kharge on Thursday, aiming to boost public transport use to 70 per cent by 2030. The newly launched features, powered by General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), enable commuters to plan and complete Metro, bus, and last-mile journeys on a single platform. The apps are the first of their kind to offer fully integrated end-to-end public transit solutions in Bengaluru. Unveiling the features, Kharge said, 'Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities globally. To reach our goal of 70 per cent public transport share by 2030, we need open data, digital integration, and first-last mile connectivity. The Enroute Challenge is a transformative step in this direction.'

The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
BMRCL, BMTC open transport data; allow Namma Yatri, Tummoc users to coordinate first, last-mile connectivity
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) have finally opened up their transport data empowering two apps Namma Yatri and Tummoc to allow its users seamless first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters. This has been a long standing demand for over a decade now. With addition of new features, users of both apps can now plan their entire journey and purchase a single ticket covering the complete trip. For instance, if a commuter needs to use all three modes of transport (bus, metro, and autorickshaw) they can plan the route using either application and buy just one ticket for the entire journey. The apps utilise real-time data from buses and metro trains operating on the commuter's route to design a coordinated travel plan. Ideally, this allows commuters to access each mode of public transport immediately after deboarding the previous one, though actual timing may be affected by factors such as traffic. A hindrance to develop this feature was that BMTC and BMRCL had not opened up their data, which has finally happened in the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), a globally recognised open data standard for public transportation, which includes information on stops, routes, and schedules. So far, BMTC has been providing static data to the platform and plans to begin sharing real-time data soon. Currently, Namma Yatri offers trip planning that integrates auto-rickshaw services with metro routes. Namma Yatri is yet to go live, while Tummoc has already started the services. Tummoc, in addition to similar features, also allows users to track the amount of carbon emissions they save by choosing public transport over private vehicles. The development of these features follows Tummoc and Namma Yatri jointly winning a ₹30 lakh grant in August 2024, after emerging as winners of Enroute: A Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Challenge, an initiative organised by WRI, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), and Villgro. Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT, BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in addressing last-mile connectivity issues. 'In Bengaluru, we don't measure travel in kilometres; we measure it in hours. We acknowledge the problem and are committed to solving it,' he said. 'Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a 12% growth rate last year. Projections show we will grow by 8.5% annually over the next decade,' he said, adding that the city loses an estimated ₹20,000 crore each year due to time wasted in traffic, which directly impacts productivity. In comparison, Mumbai and Delhi reportedly lose ₹40,000 crore and ₹60,000 crore annually, respectively, he claimed. Mr. Kharge further noted that less than 50% of the city's population currently uses public transport, and the government's vision is to increase that number to 70% by 2030. Against this backdrop, he said, the launch of such integrated features marks a significant step towards encouraging wider adoption of public transportation.


Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Agents and Brokers Reclaim Lost Deals: Credit-Challenged Clients Get Approved in 2025
TORONTO — For real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and vehicle finance professionals, nothing is more frustrating than watching a promising deal fall apart due to a client's poor credit. But now, many professionals across North America are partnering with GTFS to turn rejected leads into funded and approved clients, thanks to the firm's cutting-edge Credit Optimization Partnership Program (COPP). GTFS is helping brokers and agents bridge the gap between aspiration and approval by offering strategic tools, coaching, and client-centred services designed to restore credit, build trust, and close transactions. The Credit Challenge Brokers Know All Too Well In today's high-interest lending environment, clients with scores below 660 often find themselves sidelined, despite substantial income or assets. Even minor credit blemishes can derail home purchases, auto financing, or commercial leases. 'Agents and brokers come to us daily saying, 'This client was ready—except for their credit score,'' said Robert Wilson, Head of Sales and Marketing. 'That's where we step in to help both the client and the professional.' What GTFS Offers to Brokers and Agents The GTFS Credit Optimization Partnership Program (COPP) includes a range of tools designed to help professionals retain leads and increase approvals: White-label onboarding portals that brokers can offer to clients as part of their service portals that brokers can offer to clients as part of their service Branded credit progress dashboards with real-time updates with real-time updates Custom letters of explanation and financial rationale documents for underwriting reviews and financial rationale documents for underwriting reviews Client education and coaching services tailored to homebuying, auto, or business lending goals and coaching services tailored to homebuying, auto, or business lending goals Direct access to GTFS credit advisors for professional guidance and client-specific planning 'We're not just providing credit repair,' explained Emily Johnson, Senior Credit Analyst. 'We're giving brokers and agents a way to say, 'Not today, but maybe in 90 days—with a plan.' That's powerful.' Real Results, Real Closings ✅ Case Study – Los Angeles : A mortgage broker submitted a couple with a 585 and 612 score for a $400,000 home. GTFS enrolled them in a 100-day improvement plan. Their scores were 678 and 693 in three months—just enough to secure preapproval. The deal closed two weeks later. ✅ Case Study – Toronto : A vehicle financing specialist referred a self-employed Uber driver who was denied a loan due to inconsistent income and a 609 score. GTFS guided the client in adding a tradeline, restructuring debt, and submitting a letter of explanation. The dealer issued financing 45 days later at a fair interest rate. Compliance, Transparency, and Speed Unlike credit 'fixers' that promise overnight results or operate in regulatory grey zones, GTFS follows a fully compliant and transparent model. Each referral is documented, each result is measurable, and each plan is built within the legal frameworks of Canadian and U.S. credit reporting systems. All broker-partner activity is protected by: Non-circumvention agreements Agent-broker referral codes Data privacy compliance (PIPEDA and FCRA) Zero cross-sell guarantees (GTFS never markets competing products to your clients) 'We respect the broker-client relationship,' said Willard Dunne, Head of Operations. 'Our role is to support that relationship, not compete with it.' Built for Real Estate, Auto, Business, and More GTFS's platform is customizable for industry-specific needs. Whether you're a mortgage agent, car dealership finance manager, business credit consultant, or rent-to-own housing specialist, the tools and support adapt to your vertical. COPP Customization Options: Real estate agents can set milestone timelines synced with financing deadlines Auto lenders can pre-screen financing partners with score forecasts Business credit advisors can bundle COPP with entity structuring and funding prep Commercial leasing agents can offer repair timelines aligned to lease start dates Tech-Driven, Human-Centred The GTFS system is built on a secure digital platform but delivered with human connection. Each client is assigned a dedicated credit advisor, and each agent or broker receives personal support from a GTFS partner manager. 'Automation is great,' said David Clark, IT Director, 'but credit recovery is personal. That's why our platform tracks progress—but our people make it work.' From Lead Recovery to Long-Term Loyalty When a broker tells a client, 'Let's fix this and come back stronger,' it builds loyalty that lasts. GTFS partners report up to 40% lead recovery, and higher client retention compared to brokers who simply walk away from bad-credit prospects. ✅ Broker Testimonial – Florida : 'Before GTFS, I was throwing away 1 in 5 leads. Now I send them to GTFS, and half of them come back ready to close. My pipeline is healthier than ever.' – J. Nelson, Licensed Mortgage Broker Get Started as a GTFS Partner Today GTFS is currently onboarding real estate agents, commercial brokers, credit advisors, and auto finance professionals across North America. There is no cost to become a partner, and all partners receive: Digital marketing toolkits A custom referral portal Access to client success data Revenue-sharing opportunities on completed improvements Co-branded webinars and educational sessions About GTFS GTFS is a Toronto-based financial services firm offering personalized credit solutions, alternative financing, and commercial financial instruments. With over 115 years of combined leadership experience, GTFS empowers individuals and businesses with compliant, practical financial tools to meet today's challenges. For broker inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:📧 Email: info@ 🌐 Website: 🔗 Social Media: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram