Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

What this grade measures

The quality of the schedule data this agency publishes for trip-planning apps: whether riders using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Transit see current, correct, and complete information. It measures the data feed, not service quality or operations.

Progress this period

No newly cleared items this period. The score and trend above reflect where the feed stands today.

What needs attention next

Three improvements, in priority order, each sized so the board can see what it is approving:

1. Review the rule documentation for 'equal_shape_distance_diff_coordinates' at https://gtfs-validator.mobilitydata.org/rules.html and check the flagged rows in your feed.

   Equal shape distance diff coordinates (flagged by the MobilityData validator). See the linked rule for what this affects.

   Estimated effort: Varies.

2. Add the destination, direction, or 'via' label riders actually see to trip_headsign. Do not copy the route name. If the label changes during the trip, use stop_headsign.

   94667 of 94667 trips lack rider-facing destination or direction text. When a route has multiple directions or patterns, the route name alone may not tell riders which service is coming.

   Estimated effort: Usually one value per route pattern in your scheduling source.

3. Add fare_attributes.txt (or Fares v2 files) with your fare structure. If your service is fare-free, ask to have it marked fare-free instead.

   The feed contains no fare information. Riders see 'fare unknown' in trip planners and can't budget their trip; visitors are most affected.

   Estimated effort: A small file for most flat-fare systems.