To facilitate the transition from current de facto data standards (GTFS and GTFS-RT) to new de jure data standards (NeTEx and SIRI).
One of the most widely used tools for multimodal journey planning is OpenTripPlanner (OTP), an open source route calculation software that uses data in GTFS and GTFS-RT formats.
GTFS and GTFS-RT represent what can be considered a de facto standard, but one that currently stands in contrast to what has become the de jure standard in the European Union, i.e., the standard based on binding regulations for all Member States.
With EU Delegated Regulation 2017/1926 and its recent update 2024/490, the European Union has required each Member State to implement National Access Points (NAPs), which are digital platforms aimed at facilitating access to and sharing of mobility and transportation data. However, in order for the different NAPs to interact with each other, there needs to be a “common language” that facilitates communication and data exchange. The ways in which these data are to be organized are defined by CEN, and to date, the two required data models, based on the CEN Transmodel, are the NeTEx and SIRI standards.
A key element in the adoption of these standards is the use of profiles, which are specific configurations that define rules and structures to adapt the standards to national or regional needs. In particular, there are Italian profiles of NeTEx and SIRI, which were developed to ensure compatibility with Italian standards and interoperability between different transport systems across the country.
