1. Introduction

This Fair Usage Policy (this "Policy") governs the use of the General Transit Feed Specification (“GTFS”) open data (the “GTFS Data”) provided by the National Transport Authority (“NTA”). By accessing and using the GTFS Data, users agree to comply with this Policy. The primary objective of this Policy is to encourage the responsible and ethical use of the GTFS Data, ensuring it serves the public interest and supports the sustainability of the GTFS Data service. 

2. Definitions

  • GTFS Data: Structured data that describes public transportation schedules, including routes, stops, and timetables. 

  • Data Provider: The organisation providing access to the GTFS Data, in this case the NTA. 

  • User: Any individual or organisation accessing or using the GTFS Data. 

3. Licensing

GTFS Data © 2025 by the NTA is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

4. Permissible Uses

Users are encouraged to use GTFS Data for the following purposes:

  • Research and Analysis: Conducting studies or analysis to improve public transportation services. 

  • Application Development: Creating apps, websites, or other tools that provide public transportation information to the public. 

  • Public Information: Sharing information with the public to enhance awareness and usage of public transit systems. 

  • Innovation and Improvement: Innovating solutions that can contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation systems.

5. Prohibited Uses

The following uses of GTFS Data are prohibited:

  • Illegal Activity – The GTFS shall at all times be used in compliance with all  applicable laws, including laws in respect of fraud, harassment and deceptive marketing  practices

  • Commercial Exploitation: Using the GTFS Data primarily for profit without adding significant value or enhancements that benefit the public or the transit system. 

  • Data Misrepresentation: Altering or misrepresenting the GTFS Data in a way that misleads or causes harm to users or the public. 

  • Excessive Downloading: Engaging in activities that place excessive demand on the GTFS Data infrastructure, such as automated scripts or scraping, which can degrade the performance or accessibility of the service for others. 

  • Privacy Violations: Using the GTFS Data in a manner that infringes on individual privacy or violates applicable data protection laws (e.g. GDPR). 

  • Others: Any other inappropriate activity or abuse of the GTFS Data (as determined by NTA at its sole discretion).

6. Fair Usage Limits

Fair usage limits refer to the total number of GTFS Real Time API requests within the stated time frame. Usage limits are per day, and are not transferable from day to day or month to month

  • The User will be issued a pair of Unique Tokens (the “Token”) that will be required for each access request. These Tokens are non-transferable and all activity will be attributed to the User. 

  • Each Token will be restricted to calling the GTFS Real Time API once every 60 seconds. 

  • The NTA may at its discretion alter the usage limit of Users.

7. Data Attribution

Users must attribute the GTFS Data to the NTAwhen using it in any public-facing applications, presentations, or publications. Such attributions should include:

  • The name of the Data Provider; in this case, the NTA.

  • A link to the GTFS Data source or the NTAs website. 

  • A statement that clarifies the GTFS Data is provided "as is" and that the NTA is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies.

8. Data Integrity and Updates

  • Data Integrity: Users must ensure that the GTFS Data is presented accurately and must not alter the GTFS Data in a way that misleads users. 

  • Data Updates: Users are encouraged to regularly update their applications with the latest available GFTS Data to ensure the information provided is current and accurate. 

9. Liability and Indemnity

The GTFS Data is provided "as is" without any warranties. The NTA is not liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or damages arising from the use of the GTFS Data, nor is it liable for any issues regarding the availability/uptime of the GTFS Data.  Users agree to indemnify and hold the NTA, including the employees, agents or third party service providers of the NTA,  harmless from any claims demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses, resulting from the User’s use of the GTFS Data.

10. Policy Changes

The NTA reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time. Users are encouraged to review the Policy periodically to stay informed about any changes. 

11. Contact Information 

For questions or clarifications regarding this Policy, users can contact apisupport@nationaltransport.ie