Standardizing Transport Data: Bulgaria’s Path to Smarter Mobility

As Bulgaria moves towards more connected and efficient public transport systems, data standardization plays a vital role. For our cities, regions, and national platforms to provide accurate, real-time information and integrate with European-level services, we must adopt internationally recognized data formats.

This is not just a technical evolution—it’s a regulatory and strategic necessity.

Under EU Delegated Regulation 2017/1926, member states are required to make static and dynamic travel data available in standardized formats to enable multimodal travel information services across Europe.

Understanding Transport Data: Static and Dynamic

To understand the importance of these standards, it helps to first know what kinds of data are involved:

• Static data includes planned information that doesn’t change frequently: timetables, routes, stop locations, and fares.
• Dynamic data refers to live updates: vehicle positions, delays, service alerts, and real-time arrivals.

Both are crucial for passenger information systems, journey planning apps, and overall transport coordination.

The Most Widely Used Transport Data Standards

NeTEx (Network Timetable Exchange)

Developed under the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), NeTEx is an advanced XML-based format for exchanging static public transport information. It supports complex transport networks, fare systems, and multilingual services. NeTEx is the officially recommended standard by the EU for the publication of static data in National Access Points.

SIRI (Service Interface for Real-time Information)

Also developed by CEN, SIRI handles dynamic data exchange: vehicle monitoring, disruption notifications, estimated arrival times, and connection management. It enables real-time passenger information systems to communicate seamlessly across platforms and agencies.

These two standards are comprehensive and highly flexible, making them ideal for use at national and international levels. For Bulgaria, adopting NeTEx and SIRI is the most effective way to meet EU regulatory requirements and modernize transport services.

GTFS & GTFS-realtime (GTFS-RT)

The General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) was created by Google and TriMet (Portland, Oregon) and is widely used worldwide, especially in North and South America. GTFS supports static data such as routes, stops, and schedules, while GTFS-RT adds real-time updates like delays and vehicle positions.

These formats are simple and well-supported by many journey planning tools, including Google Maps. However, they have limitations in handling complex networks or regulatory requirements, which is why Europe has moved toward NeTEx and SIRI for official implementations.

GBFS – General Bikeshare Feed Specification

Created by the North American Bikeshare Association and now maintained by MobilityData, GBFS is used for sharing dynamic data from micromobility services—such as bike or scooter availability and dock statuses. It plays a key role in integrating micromobility into broader MaaS (Mobility as a Service) platforms.

Tripco is Leading the Way in Bulgaria

At Tripco, we believe that smart mobility starts with smart data. That’s why we’ve invested in the tools, know-how, and infrastructure to support the conversion and publication of public transport data in NeTEx and SIRI formats. We’re ready to help Bulgarian authorities and operators align with EU regulations and unlock the full potential of modern transport systems.

By embracing standardization, we’re not only ensuring compliance—we’re building a more transparent, accessible, and efficient future for mobility in Bulgaria.

In our ever-changing world, urban development is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Smart cities are emerging as the future of urban living, where technology, sustainability, and visionary thinking converge to create urban environments that are efficient, eco-friendly, and user-centric. In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of smart cities and introduce you to five pioneering examples from around the world.

What Are Smart Cities?

Smart cities are urban areas that leverage cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions to enhance the quality of life for their residents while optimizing resource usage and infrastructure. These cities are characterized by their ability to address complex urban challenges, including traffic congestion, pollution, energy consumption, and more, through innovation and connectivity.

Now, let’s meet five remarkable smart cities that are setting new standards for urban living:

1. NEOM: A Glimpse into the ‘New Future’

NEOM, located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, derives its name from the Greek prefix “neo” (meaning ‘new’) and the Arabic word “Mustaqbal” (meaning ‘future’). Conceived by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, NEOM is a visionary project that aims to redefine urban living. It focuses on sustainability, technology, and innovation, with plans to become a global hub for business, tourism, and recreation. NEOM is set to be a city where cutting-edge technology coexists harmoniously with natural beauty.

2. Telosa City: Ushering in a Reformed Version of Capitalism

Telosa City, conceptualized by billionaire Marc Lore and designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, is a utopian vision that revolves around ‘equitism,’ a new model for a fair society. This city is designed as a 15-minute city, where workplaces, schools, and basic services are within a 15-minute commute. Fossil fuel vehicles are banned, promoting walkability and sustainable mobility. Telosa’s futuristic Equitism Tower will house water storage, aeroponic farms, and a photovoltaic roof, making it a symbol of innovation.

3. Masdar City: A Pioneering Sustainable Oasis

Located in Abu Dhabi, Masdar City is a sustainable urban community that exemplifies green living. Despite facing challenges and delays, Masdar City continues to thrive as a clean-tech hub, hosting educational institutions, businesses, and organizations dedicated to renewable energy. The city’s commitment to sustainability makes it a beacon of innovation in the Middle East.

4. Songdo International Business District: South Korea’s Green Marvel

Songdo International Business District in South Korea is a blend of modernity and sustainability. It features LEED-certified buildings and a strong focus on green growth. By integrating computers into houses, streets, and offices through a wide area network, Songdo demonstrates a commitment to technological advancement and eco-friendliness.

5. Singapore: The Smart Nation

Singapore, often referred to as a “Smart Nation,” is a prime example of a city-state that has embraced technology to enhance urban living. It utilizes smart grids, autonomous vehicles, and data analytics to improve public services, transportation, and environmental sustainability. Singapore’s commitment to innovation has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s leading smart cities.

These smart cities serve as inspiring examples of what the future holds for urban living. They demonstrate that the key to sustainable, efficient, and user-centric cities lies in the seamless integration of technology, sustainability, and visionary thinking. As we continue to explore the world of smart cities, we’ll delve deeper into their transformative transport and mobility solutions in upcoming articles.

Stay tuned for the next articles in this captivating series, where we’ll unravel the secrets behind the transport innovations powering these cities of the future. The journey to redefine urban living has just begun, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.