We are committed to building open-source standards and technology that puts government agencies in control of their data and systems.
TransitOPS aims to build and support an open-source transit technology stack that will get public transit riders the information they deserve while unlocking the potential for agencies to achieve modernization, equity, and affordability.
Pledge for an Effective & Equitable Public Transit
Public transit is essential for both riders who choose public transit and those who are transit-dependent due to a lack of other options. Public transit provides societal benefits beyond those who ride by reducing air pollution and traffic congestion while spurring economic growth and opportunity.
The emergence of private-sector apps from tech companies (Uber, Google, etc) has increased traveler expectations, especially their demand for accurate realtime information about vehicle locations and arrivals, disruptions, and crowding. At the same time, the burden of operating legacy transit data systems makes meeting rider expectations difficult, as the effort of maintaining a patchwork of outmoded vendor systems consumes limited technical staff capacity and budget resources.
In this time of increased awareness of systemic social injustice and racism, advocacy groups, policymakers, and riders call on transit agencies to ensure equity and accessibility. Addressing this urgent issue requires increased access to transit data and data analysis capabilities to identify and correct existing gaps.
The transit technology status quo is an obstacle to achieving equity and the standard of service that riders deserve. While locked into the current proprietary monolith vendor marketplace, public transit agencies can not easily achieve parity with other mobility providers. Therefore, TransitOPS was founded to build, promote, expand, and support open-source software solutions at every level of the transit technology stack to drive modernization while reducing cost, improving public transit experience, and making public transit itself sustainable.
We are committed to using human-centered design approaches that create positive and equitable experiences for staff and riders.
We are committed to eliminating data silos and making it easier for agencies to analyze all of their data to operate the best possible service for all.
We are committed to overcoming barriers to providing accurate realtime information in a clear manner that is accessible to all riders.
Show Your Support
Providing the service that riders deserve in public transit is not possible due to over-reliance on a few legacy vendors. Open-source technology and standards are the only viable alternative in an industry that lacks choice. The TransitOPS Manifesto represents TransitOPS’s commitment to advancing these aspirations. We aim to work together with people and organizations everywhere who share these goals to make public transit modern, equitable, and financially sustainable.
Share on TwitterOur 10 Principles
- Principle 01Public Transit is an integral part of modern life—providing access to economic opportunity, education, community, civic engagement, healthcare—especially for transit-dependent populations.
- Principle 02Public Transit is a critical infrastructure that must remain viable and accessible to all.
- Principle 03Public transit riders deserve an experience that is transparent, reliable, safe, and at parity or better with other mobility options in time and cost.
- Principle 04Riders’ security and privacy in public transit and transit data systems are fundamental and must not get treated as optional.
- Principle 05Agencies must have the tools and data to operate and plan an effective and equitable transit system.
- Principle 06The sustainability of public transit depends upon interoperability (protocols, data formats, content), innovation, and collaboration between public and private organizations.
- Principle 07Free and open-source software guarantees that necessary technology improvements are possible and supports a competitive marketplace for technology services.
- Principle 08Transparent and inclusive processes promote participation, accountability, and trust.
- Principle 09Commercial involvement in public transit technology brings many benefits; a balance between commercial profit and public benefit is critical.
- Principle 10Magnifying the public benefit aspects of public transit is an important goal, worthy of time, attention and commitment.