A systematic literature review of timetable creation using GTFS feeds

Abstract

Timetable creation is a fundamental aspect of metro operations, which has a direct influence on service performance, passenger satisfaction and is the backbone of a successful metro service. To balance passenger demand with operational capacity, heuristic methods and manual adjustments were typically the approach to timetabling, however, this literature review now reveals that recent studies now emphasise how crucial data-driven strategies are becoming in transit planning. General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) is a standardised data format for operators to publish service information and data in an accessible format for passengers, agencies and software applications. This literature review systematically focuses on timetable creation using GTFS feeds, looking specifically at tactical planning and frequency of service. The literature review illustrates that new data-driven and innovative approaches can facilitate transport operators optimising existing timetables with research and studies progressing within this field constantly, new data and the evolution of artificial intelligence will transform how timetables are created in the future.