Sound Transit

On some trips the stop distances run a little past the end of the route line.

The stop and shape distance values don't quite line up, so any math that uses them can drift.

Fix: Re-generate shape_dist_traveled on export so stop and shape distances use the same units. (Usually an export-tool fix, not hand editing.)

Finding code: trip_distance_exceeds_shape_distance_below_threshold · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

Some stops exist in the feed but no trip ever stops at them.

Riders may walk to a stop where no transit vehicle is scheduled to arrive.

Fix: Remove retired stops from the export, or add them back to the trips that should serve them. (A review pass in your scheduling software.)

Finding code: stop_without_stop_time · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

Some route lines list the same point twice in a row.

Repeated points don't hurt riders, but they can skew distance math and hint at a shaky export.

Fix: Turn on shape cleanup in your export tool, or drop the repeated points from shapes.txt. (Usually one export setting.)

Finding code: equal_shape_distance_same_coordinates · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

The feed contains route shapes no trip uses.

Harmless to riders, but it bloats the feed and suggests stale export data.

Fix: Turn on 'remove unused shapes' (or the like) in your export tool. (One setting.)

Finding code: unused_shape · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

Service data runs out in 27 day(s).

When the calendar runs out, trip planners stop showing this agency. Fixing it now is calmer than after riders notice.

Fix: Re-export with a validity window that reaches at least 60 days out. (One export setting.)

Finding code: scorecard_feed_expiring_soon · Read the fix guide · See GTFS Best Practices (opens GTFS Best Practices on an external site)

This feed models stations or entrances but has no pathways.txt.

Trip planners can't guide riders through the station, and there is no step-free route information for wheelchair users.

Fix: Add pathways.txt connecting entrances, platforms, and any elevators, with a level for each. (Worth it for multi-level or large stations; flat stops don't need it.)

Finding code: scorecard_station_no_pathways · Read the fix guide · See GTFS Schedule reference (opens the GTFS Schedule reference on an external site)

Platform without parent station (flagged by the MobilityData validator).

See the linked rule for what this affects.

Fix: Review the rule documentation for 'platform_without_parent_station' at https://gtfs-validator.mobilitydata.org/rules.html and check the flagged rows in your feed. (Varies.)

Finding code: platform_without_parent_station · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

Some service dates fall outside the date window set in feed_info.txt.

feed_info.txt should span every day your service runs, so apps know when the data applies.

Fix: Widen feed_start_date and feed_end_date to cover all service dates, or fix the dates that fall outside. (Two fields in feed_info.txt, or one export setting.)

Finding code: service_window_outside_feed_period · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

Some files contain columns that are not part of the GTFS spec.

Harmless to riders, but apps ignore these columns and they can hide typos in real column names.

Fix: Check the flagged column names for misspellings of standard GTFS fields; remove them if they are vendor extras. (A quick look at the flagged files.)

Finding code: unknown_column · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

The feed includes a file that is not part of the GTFS spec.

Apps ignore files they don't know, and a stray file can hide a misspelled standard file name.

Fix: Check the flagged file name for a typo of a standard GTFS file. Remove it if it is a vendor extra. (A quick look at the flagged file.)

Finding code: unknown_file · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)

The feed has a stretch of two weeks or more with no service running.

A long gap can mean dates were left out of the calendar. Apps then show no trips on those days.

Fix: Check whether the gap is real, like a seasonal break; if not, add the missing dates to the calendar. (A review of your calendar dates.)

Finding code: big_gap_in_service · Read the fix guide · See MobilityData GTFS Validator rules (opens the validator rules on an external site)