WRTA schedules, routes and stops in GTFS format and real-time trips data (if available)

Matt Caywood filed this request with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority of Massachusetts.
Submitted May 1, 2018
Due May 15, 2018
Est. Completion None
Status
Awaiting Response

Communications

From: Matt Caywood

Subject: Massachusetts Public Records Law Request: WRTA schedules, routes and stops in GTFS format and real-time trips data (if available)

Fax

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:

All current and future WRTA schedules, fares, and stop/route alignments in the GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) file format.

Additionally, if an API is available for real-time bus stop arrival estimates as shown in use here http://bustracker.therta.com/bustime/eta/eta.jsp, access to the API is requested.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Matt Caywood

From:

Subject: Part 2 - MuckRock News - PRR for WRTA Data - Caywood

Email

May 15, 2018

MuckRock News
DEPT MR 53080
411A Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144-2516

Dear Mr. Caywood:

As previously stated, enclosed are the remaining files you requested.

Best regards,
Jonathan E. Church
WRTA Administrator

Jonathan E. Church, AICP
Administrator
Worcester Regional Transit Authority
60 Foster Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508.453.3400
Fax: 508.453.3500
jchurch@therta.com<mailto:jchurch@therta.com>

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From:

Subject: Part 1 - MuckRock News - PRR for WRTA Data - Caywood

Email

May 15, 2018

MuckRock News
DEPT MR 53080
411A Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144-2516

Dear Mr. Caywood:

Thank you for your public records request to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) dated May 1, 2018 and sent via MuckRock.com.

Regarding your first request, the WRTA can provide schedules, fares and stop/route alignment information in General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) file format. The first two files are attached with this response. A second email with the remaining files will be sent shortly. If you would like further information on WRTA schedules, fares and stop/route alignment, please visit our website at http://www.therta.com/schedules/

Regarding your second request, the WRTA does not have any documentation related to an API (application programming interface) for real-time bus stop arrival estimates to its BusTracker system (http://bustracker.therta.com/bustime/ets/eta.jsp).

There is no fee for this data/public records request.
Best regards,
Jonathan E. Church
WRTA Administrator

From: Matt Caywood

Subject: RE: Massachusetts Public Records Law Request: WRTA schedules, routes and stops in GTFS format and real-time trips data (if available)

Email

The file title "GTFS stops for Jan 2018" appears not to be a typical GTFS Stops file as expected. Instead it looks to be a Shapes file. Because we don't have the Stops file, we do not have all the information we require to make use of GTFS data for WRTA.

Please include the GTFS Stops file, and any other GTFS files that may have been updated since the original request. It would be best to receive these files packaged together as .zip file.

Attached is an example of a GTFS stops.txt file from another agency

Files