{"id":44,"date":"2015-06-25T23:43:15","date_gmt":"2015-06-25T13:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addtransit.com\/blog\/?p=44"},"modified":"2015-06-25T23:43:15","modified_gmt":"2015-06-25T13:43:15","slug":"gtfs-why-you-are-missing-out-on-passengers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addtransit.com\/blog\/2015\/06\/gtfs-why-you-are-missing-out-on-passengers\/","title":{"rendered":"GTFS \u2013 Why you are missing out on Passengers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Increasingly, online maps and journey planning apps are the new \u201csomeone to ask\u201d about how to get somewhere and it\u2019s highly likely your business is not the answer they are giving\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

It used to be enough just to get to #1 on Google search results.\u00a0 However, that\u2019s changed with the advent of Location Based Searches and Journey Planning smartphone Apps.\u00a0 If your business involves taking passengers from A to B (and maybe back again), then to compete properly you now need your timetable, pickup and drop-offs appearing in these search results and journey apps.<\/p>\n

More and more, tourists and irregular travellers are relying on these online mapping services to find their way around unfamiliar places and if your business is missing from these search results, then it\u2019s highly likely they\u2019ll choose one of the other alternatives offered.<\/p>\n

To see if you or a business you know is missing out try this quick test.\u00a0 Go to the following page (https:\/\/addtransit.com\/missing-out.php<\/a>) and enter one of the business\u2019s pickup and destination locations.\u00a0 If the business\u2019s timetable and services do appear, then well done!\u00a0 Otherwise, read on.<\/p>\n

So, how do you get onto the online maps and journey planners?\u00a0 Unfortunately, the schedule or timetable on your webpage, or your own custom built journey planner is just not enough.<\/p>\n

You will need to create a GTFS file.\u00a0 A GTFS file is a special type of file that contains information about your business, its schedule and timetable, and its routes and stops including their latitudes and longitudes.\u00a0 The GTFS file is used by the online maps and journey planners to add your data to their systems.\u00a0 There\u2019s a number of ways to create a GTFS file, but if you have limited time or technical skills then getting a company such as AddTransit.com to do it for you, is a quick and cost effective solution.<\/p>\n

Once the GTFS file is created, then you need to get the companies that use GTFS files to use it.\u00a0 This normally involves adding a link on your website and submitting it to both GTFS directories and to the various search engines and journey planning app companies.\u00a0 Each company has different submission forms, timeframes, and acceptance conditions.\u00a0 If you got a company to create the GTFS file for you, then they should submit it for you.\u00a0 Otherwise you\u2019ll have to learn how to do it yourself.<\/p>\n

Of course your timetable, stops and routes will change, so like all your marketing and customer service information, it\u2019s important to keep the GTFS file up to date.\u00a0 That way your passengers should be able to see your latest information.<\/p>\n

Best of luck\u00a0and have a great day.<\/p>\n

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