Latest news with #IUDX
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.
