development
Transit Network
The complete system of bus, subway, train, ferry, and other public transportation routes in a geographic area that a transit app provides directions for.
A transit network is the interconnected collection of public transportation services operating within a region. It includes every bus line, subway route, commuter rail corridor, light rail segment, ferry crossing, and other modes that move passengers on fixed schedules. For transit app developers, understanding the shape and scope of a network determines what directions your app can reliably offer.
Components of a Transit Network
Each network is made up of routes, stops, and schedules. Routes define the paths vehicles follow, stops mark the locations where passengers board and exit, and schedules establish when service runs. These components are typically published by transit agencies through GTFS feeds. A single metropolitan area may have dozens of agencies contributing to one unified network, each with its own feed and update cycle.
Transit Networks and Apple Maps Integration
When you register your routing app with Apple Maps, the coverage area in your routing app coverage file should align with the transit network your app supports. If your app covers the New York City subway but not New Jersey commuter rail, your GeoJSON polygons should reflect that boundary. Overstating your coverage leads to failed routing requests and frustrated users, while understating it means Apple Maps will not surface your app for trips your app could handle.