3 questions to ask any transport start-up in 2020

As we start a new year (and also a new decade) some entrepreneurs and innovative types will be thinking about novel ideas and approaches to transportation for the year(s) ahead. And quite possibly utilising modern technology and maybe even a micro-mobility solution.Therefore perhaps Hayden’s idea of a solar-powered skateboard start-up in Glasgow might eventually become …

Planning our Open Standard “version 1” launch

The Open Transport initiative has made some great progress so far. With a range of different transport and data specialists providing feedback on our draft API specifications until the peer review period closed recently. It therefore looks like we will be able to create a first complete version of our API specifications as-planned for the …

More ABT schemes, more locked in data

ABT is the acronym for Account Based Ticketing (or Account Based Travel, to give it a more appropriate name). This is the concept where customers use a central “back office” account for transport, rather than buy individual tickets in advance. This account allows either pre-pay functionality (where the customer adds funds to the account beforehand …

Peer review period now closed

Yesterday, Friday 20th December, was the final date that was set for feedback and questions of our two different draft API specifications. customer-accountCustomer API for open-transport standard operator-infoCentral look-up / directory for referencing operator API locations, including “customer-account” resources We are now finalising version 1 (v1) in preparation for its launch on Friday 3rd January 20200. …

Further uses for the “operator-info” look-up service

As well as releasing a “customer-account” API specification (for the consistent integration of purchase, usage and concession transport data), we have also published an “operator-info” specification too. This “operator-info” is our design for a central transport look-up for both validating key mobility data and providing references to each transport operator’s account APIs, including participating “customer-account” …

Account data sharing principles & entities

Transport & mobility data belongs to the account owner. So why shouldn’t they have quick and convenient access to all their transport account data in the way that they want? This may seem like a bold claim, especially when so many transport providers are looking to leverage their customer data and monetise their digital platforms. …

Open Transport requires a mindset change

The integration of different transport accounts owned by the same person (e.g. their rail, subway and electric scooter accounts) is certainly a technical challenge. But one that the Open Transport initiative believe can be overcome, especially if common standards such as open APIs are used. But technology isn’t the only barrier to overcome. Complete transport …