New GTFS-RT TripModification Integration with Transit App Enhances Passenger Experience During Service Disruptions
Transit riders can now see exactly where their bus is going during detours, thanks to a new integration between Systrans NAVINEO CAD/AVL system and Transit app. The enhancement leverages GTFS-RT TripModification, an extension to the standard GTFS Real-Time feed that enables transit agencies to share the precise routing of detours with rider-facing applications.
Park City Transit in Utah, Worcester Regional Transit Authority in Massachusetts, and Greenlink in Greenville, South Carolina, are among the first agencies in North America to deploy this capability through Systrans NAVINEO CAD/AVL, giving their riders full visibility into service changes in Transit app as they happen.
Early Adoption Delivers Rider Value
Recognizing the value it would bring to their growing ridership, Greenlink in Greenville, South Carolina, moved quickly to deliver detour information to riders through the integration with Transit app and Systrans.
“Greenlink is very excited to continue offering improvements to our technology and information to our customers. These new changes provided by the TripModification allow us to let our customers know and see what is going on with service in real-time. It is to be one of a very few agencies in the country to be offering this innovative solution,” said James C. Keel, Director of Greenlink.
Alongside Park City Transit and Worcester Regional Transit Authority, these deployments demonstrate that agencies of all sizes and operating environments can benefit from enhanced detour communication. Whether managing resort-town special events, winter weather disruptions, or urban construction projects, showing riders exactly where detours are routed improves the overall transit experience.
“Every time we give riders accurate detour information, we build trust and improve the customer experience. Greenlink, Park City Transit, and Worcester Regional Transit Authority are great examples of rider-centric agencies leading the way,” said David Block-Schachter, Chief Business Officer of Transit app. “Partners like Systrans making it easy for agencies to publish detailed detours with the TripModifications standard are so important to the transit ecosystem.”
From Notification to Navigation
For more than two decades, Systrans has automatically updated passenger-facing media whenever dispatchers create detours in the NAVINEO CAD/AVL system. When a street closure, special event, or emergency requires rerouting, the system immediately alerts riders through automatic voice announcements on buses, digital signage, agency websites, and GTFS Real-Time feeds sent to third-party apps.
Until recently, these notifications could only communicate which stops were being bypassed, not the actual path the bus would take during the detour. Riders using mobile apps like Transit app would see their bus deviating from the scheduled route but had no way to visualize the detour itself.
GTFS-RT Trip Modifications change that dynamic. When a dispatcher creates a detour, the system now exports the complete shape of the altered route. Riders opening Transit app on their phones see the detour path drawn on the map, along with modified stop sequences and estimated arrival times, providing the clear, actionable information needed to make informed travel decisions.
Simplifying Complexity for Dispatchers and Riders
The technical sophistication behind TripModification is invisible to both dispatchers and riders by design. Dispatchers continue using the same intuitive NAVINEO CAD/AVL detour tools they’ve relied on for years. The system handles all the complexity of translating that detour into the structured data format required by GTFS-RT TripModification, then automatically pushes the information to Transit app and other consuming applications.
For riders, the integration provides immediate clarity during stressful disruptions. Rather than wondering whether their stop will still be served or where the bus is heading, they can see the complete picture in-app: the detour path, which stops are still in service, and updated arrival predictions that account for the changed routing.
This transparency is particularly valuable during major events, weather emergencies, or unexpected road closures when multiple routes may be affected simultaneously. Riders can quickly assess their options and adjust their travel plans without needing to contact customer service or wait at potentially bypassed stops.
The Future of Real-Time Transit Information
GTFS-RT TripModifications and this integration represent an evolution in how transit agencies and technology partners collaborate to serve riders. As the standard gains adoption across the industry, riders will increasingly expect this level of detail and transparency during service disruptions.
Agencies already benefit from mature, reliable detour management tools that have been refined over two decades of real-world use. The addition of TripModification enhances that proven foundation without requiring agencies to change their operational workflows or invest in new training.
As more third-party applications adopt support for TripModification, the value multiplies. Riders using different apps,whether Transit app, third-party apps, or regional journey planners,will all receive the same accurate, detailed detour information, creating a consistent experience regardless of which tool they prefer.
About Systrans, an Equans company
Systrans, an Equans company, designs and develops Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance the performance and efficiency of public transit networks. With over 46 years of experience, our teams support public transit agencies with scalable CAD/AVL and Real-Time Passenger Information systems tailored to their operational needs.
From passenger information systems to vehicle monitoring and network supervision, we provide comprehensive tools to simplify fleet management and enhance the passenger and driver experience. Our flagship solution, the NAVINEO CAD/AVL system, is deployed on more than 60,000 vehicles worldwide in buses, light rail, and trains, helping cities move smarter every day.
As an Equans’ company, we are part of a global leader in multi-technical services, accelerating the digital and energy transition of mobility. Our vision: Let’s build tomorrow’s transit for better lives in smarter cities. Read more on https://systrans.com/
About Transit app
Transit is the app that makes life better without a car in more than 1,000 cities worldwide. Millions of public transit riders rely on its accurate real-time updates, intuitive step-by-step navigation, and helpful crowdsourcing features.
The app gives riders powerful tools to speak up for better car-free transportation and helps transit agencies bring together fare payment, on-demand transit, bikeshare, scooters, carshare, taxis, and more.
Transit is based in Montréal, Québec. Learn more at https://transitapp.com/