After long delays, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Namma Metro are set to open their real-time transit data to the public. This initiative aims to foster the development of innovative applications by startups, leveraging real-time data from both BMTC and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL). Officials confirmed the transition of the vehicle tracking application to the Karnataka State Data Centre (KSDC) is underway, and upon completion, the transit data will be made available.
In 2022, BMTC and BMRCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to share real-time train information, enhancing passenger convenience. The transit data will be uploaded using the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) on a common portal, similar to Delhi's Open Transit Data platform, providing real-time data for third-party developers. BMTC is expected to share static data initially, with real-time data availability by July-August following the integration with a cloud service provider or KSDC.
The initiative is anticipated to improve user experience and boost ridership for BMTC. Applications like Namma Yatri, on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, can incorporate this data for comprehensive journey planning. BMTC?s data will include bus numbers, routes, and schedules.
A hackathon titled 'Enroute Challenge,' organized by World Resources Institute (WRI) India, Villgro, and Mercedes Benz Research & Development India, will take place on June 12. Startups are invited to develop Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications using the open data, aimed at enhancing accessibility and efficient mobility in Bengaluru.
The transport minister and senior officials from various mobility agencies will participate in the event. Pawan Mulukutla from WRI India emphasized the importance of open and standardized data formats for fostering innovation and improving commuting solutions.
BMTC?s promise to open its data dates back to 2016, when the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project was launched. The hesitation to share data stemmed from concerns about misuse by private firms. With BMTC now operating 5,640 buses and an increased ridership due to the Shakti scheme, the data opening is a significant step toward modernizing Bengaluru?s public transportation system.
