Bus operator requirements
What you need to know to get started. Find guidance and support material tailored to your needs.
Timetables data requirement
Operators will be expected to upgrade their systems/processes and upskill their staff to provide timetables data to the service in the TransXChange Version 2.4 from 31st December 2020. The Bus Open Data Service is now ready for operators to start publishing their data.
What is TransXChange?
Timetables data must be published using TransXChange (TxC); the agreed industry standard for the publication of schedule data. Omnibus will launch a 2.4 validator and export in autumn 2020.
How can I produce TransXchange?
Speak with your Local Transport Authority about the TransXChange data they can provide to you. Methods of producing TransXChange 2.4 include procuring scheduling software or using the free TxC 2.4 tool provided by DfT, from the following website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/publish-bus-open-data
If you require additional support, DfT can support the creation of TxC using the tool. For more information please contact bodshelpdesk@kpmg.co.uk
Block Number
One of the fields within the timetables data is Block Number. Operators are encouraged to include the BlockNumber field in all their TransXChange 2.4 files as soon as this information becomes available to the operator because it enables data consumers to combine information from timetables and bus location data. This enables them to provide quality information to passengers. If it is not provided, partial matching methods are used, which reduces the quality of data that third parties can supply to passengers. It also reduces the number of data consumers willing to use the data within their apps and services. The corresponding object in the location data is BlockRef, often powered by running boards or driver duties.
Revision number
Use the RevisionNumber in your TransXChange file to indicate the TransXChange file you are replacing. It will be important to indicate to consumers of your data how to connect datasets and maintain version control. If multiple files are valid within a period the highest revision number should be considered the correct file.
TransXChange profile
The guide is for technology suppliers (ETM and scheduling software) as well as operators. It provides an overview of how the TransXChange model works, a detailed description of the schema elements, worked examples and technical annexes, including a specification of the integrity rules used in TransXchange.