Fix: a stop sits far from the route line

Published: 4 July 2026. Last reviewed: 4 July 2026.

Code: stop_too_far_from_shape (MobilityData validator)

What this means

Some stops sit far from the route line (the shapes.txt path) they belong to, based on the geometric distance between the stop and the shape.

Why it matters

Trip planners use the shape to draw the route on the map. When a stop sits far from it, the map can draw the bus detouring to reach the stop, or point riders to the wrong corner to wait.

How to fix it

Check the flagged stops' coordinates and the route shape in your scheduling software, then re-snap whichever one is misplaced:

• If the stop's location is wrong, correct stop_lat / stop_lon to where the stop actually is.
• If the shape doesn't actually pass the stop, fix or re-generate shapes.txt so it follows the real path the bus drives.

See a stop far from the shape by its distance measurement for the related case where shape_dist_traveled values, not the raw geometry, are what disagree with the stop's location.

How long it usually takes

A few minutes per flagged stop, checking the coordinates against the map.

Authoritative rule

stop_too_far_from_shape is a canonical MobilityData GTFS Validator notice used in validator reports across the GTFS ecosystem. Read the authoritative rule for stop_too_far_from_shape in the GTFS Validator rules. (opens on an external site)