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.
The solution consists of the development of a data converter and fork of OpenTripPlanner.
In order to facilitate this transition from de facto to de jure standards in OpenTripPlanner (OTP), the project solution, implemented by OpenMove and Cefriel, consists of the implementation of two data converters and the development of a fork of the OTP route calculation engine.
The data converters will support the transition from GTFS format to NeTEx Italian profile and from GTFS-RT format to SIRI Italian profile, using an innovative approach based on the adoption of a conceptual reference model and Semantic Web techniques.
The fork of OTP stems from the need to improve software integration with the standards and specificities of the Italian public transport system. In particular, the main objective of the development is to optimize support for the Italian profiles of the NeTEx and SIRI formats, ensuring greater compatibility with the data provided by Italian transportation companies and improving the accuracy of route information.
In addition, the data are not subject to a mere conversion process, but rather are enriched and optimized through the integration of new sources and the expansion of available information. This process thus makes it possible to improve the accuracy and completeness of information, providing more accurate and useful results for the traveling public.
To improve interoperability between different data formats and optimize end users travel experience.
The objectives of the project are on two main levels: first, to improve interoperability between different data formats used in the mobility industry, and second, to optimize the travel experience of end users through more efficient and accurate planning.
Improving interoperability between different data formats aims to foster greater collaboration between all stakeholders operating along the entire mobility value chain, creating a more integrated and accessible ecosystem.
In parallel, the project aims to make the user travel experience simpler, more reliable and intuitive. Optimization of the routing engine through the integration of additional data sources will improve the route calculation process, making public transportation a competitive alternative to private car use.