Managing GTFS Data – Digital Matatu – GTFS Case Study
Background and rationale:
The Digital Matatu project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at mapping and improving Nairobi’s informal transit system, primarily composed of ‘Matatus’ — privately owned minibuses that serve as the backbone of the city’s public transportation. This project was launched to address the lack of reliable and accessible data on Matatu routes, which are critical for urban mobility but have traditionally operated without formal schedules or route maps.
The project was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the .University of Nairobi, Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Urban Development, MIT’s Civic Data Design Lab., and Groupshot. This diverse team combined expertise in urban planning, data science, and civic technology to tackle the challenges posed by Nairobi’s unregulated and chaotic transit system.
Project Objective
The primary objective of the Digital Matatu project was to create a comprehensive and accurate map of Nairobi’s matatu routes. This data is essential for urban planners, policymakers, and commuters to better understand and optimise the city’s transit network. By providing detailed information on routes, stops, schedules, and frequencies, the project aimed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and integration of Nairobi’s public transportation system.
Ditigial Matatus: Developing Open Data for Informal Transit Systems from Sarah Williams on Vimeo.
(You will need a Vimeo account to view the above links)
Important role of GTFS data
At the core of the Digital Matatu project lies the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data, a standardised format for public transportation schedules and geographic information. GTFS data serves as the foundational dataset, enabling the collection, storage, and sharing of transit information in a consistent and structured manner. For the Digital Matatu project, GTFS data was instrumental in converting the informal and fragmented matatu routes into a transparent and analyzable format.
By leveraging GTFS data, the Digital Matatu project was able to produce detailed maps and interactive tools that significantly improved the understanding of Nairobi’s transit system. This data allows for better planning and decision-making by providing a clear picture of the network’s coverage, efficiency, and connectivity. Moreover, GTFS data facilitates greater integration between different modes of transportation, promoting the development of multimodal transport solutions that can seamlessly connect matatus with other public transit options.
GTFS mapping process
The following short videos provide a high-level overview of GTFS mapping using GIS solutions; this mapping process will be re-visited in the second half of week 2.
Step 1 – Route mapping in GIS
Step 2 – Visualising Matatu routes
Step 3 – Enhancing visualisation
(You will need a Vimeo account to view the above links)
Project outputs:
The raw and processed data was made freely available online. This included a downloadable route map (see below). 6-months after the release of this data, more than 5,000 unique IP addresses downloaded the data. In addition the technology community has developed several mobile applications that provide routing information to the public, such as Flashcast sonar.
The outputs from the Digital Matatu project are also being used by UN-Habitat to help guide the proposed Nairobi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project being developed for Nairobi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Digital Matatu project has successfully transformed Nairobi’s informal transit system through the use of GTFS data. By creating a well-documented and manageable network, the project has paved the way for improved urban mobility, better resource allocation, and more informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the city.
Suggested links
For more information about the project, and to see videos on how the GTFS data was processed, and how the maps were produced we invite you to visit the following websites:
Data Fundamentals for Sustainable Mobility
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
