Skip to main content

NSW Government to unlock transport data for app developers

The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia is to unlock its public transport data to app developers to create the next generation of real time transport apps for customers. Announcing the move, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said, “We’re inviting the app development community to shape a new Open Data Hub, informing how it will work and what kind of data is available to create the apps customers want. “The NSW Government is already a leader in the open data space with
October 26, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia is to unlock its public transport data to app developers to create the next generation of real time transport apps for customers.

Announcing the move, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said, “We’re inviting the app development community to shape a new Open Data Hub, informing how it will work and what kind of data is available to create the apps customers want.

“The NSW Government is already a leader in the open data space with more than two million downloads of our real time transport apps, but technical limitations have restricted access for the creation of more apps and new ideas.

The state has more than 2,000 subscribers registered for static timetable data on the existing Transport Data Exchange (TDX), but this data and the infrastructure that holds it was built for operators and planners. Until now, this has only allowed the provision of static timetable data to TDX subscribers.

Constance said the government is taking the next step forward with the investment by opening up its data channels for the wider app development community and for customers. He claimed the applications for this transport data are endless and will encourage innovation and ‘outside the box’ thinking that the app development community brings to the table.

“To make sure we get the execution right, we’re asking for advice from app developers to tell us what data should be made available and help build the new Open Data Hub,” he concluded.

App developers will still need to satisfy strict privacy and use conditions in order to receive data from Transport for NSW. Any data made available will be secure, private, and de-personalised including real time train, bus, ferry, light rail and selected Opal travel pattern data.

Related Content

  • May 7, 2024
    Tolling Matters: "We want people to share their experiences and not be judged or silenced"
    Wayne Reed of AtkinsRéalis explains why IBTTA's Open Space sessions have the potential to generate great ideas through meaningful discussion - and to have an impact way beyond a 'talking shop'
  • September 25, 2020
    Destiny Thomas on transit's racist legacy
    The killing of George Floyd by US police sparked international protests and put Black Lives Matter into the spotlight. Dr Destiny Thomas, founder and CEO of Thrivance Group, talks to Adam Hill about the legacy of racism in transit, Covid-19, slow streets – and what comes next
  • January 26, 2012
    What's next for traffic management and data collection?
    As the technologies and stakeholders in traffic management evolve, what can we expect to see happening in the coming years? For many, the conversation of the moment is just how, and how far, the newer technologies and services provided principally by the private sector should be allowed to intrude into the realms of traffic management.
  • May 30, 2013
    Apps help passengers avoided overcrowded public transport
    David Crawford reviews innovations in the comfort zone. Anyone who rides public transport knows that, perhaps second only to delays, overcrowding is a critical part of the passenger experience,” says Nir Erez, CEO of Moovit, the Israel-based social transportation app developer. The app is aimed at taking real-time user feedback on transit and making it available to a wider audience of travellers. Currently available on iPhone and Android, it plans to add Windows 8 and other platforms in the future. Moovit i