The TAP Journey Planner Application is a passenger-focused digital solution that makes public transport easier to understand and use. Passengers enter an origin and a destination, and the application returns clear, multi-leg itineraries across the network, built from routes, stops and available service options.
Developed in-house by TAP, the Journey Planner is powered by a dedicated routing engine that works from the operator’s scheduled network data and TAP’s live operational systems. Every itinerary sets out where to walk, where to board, where to transfer and when to expect arrival, supporting better-informed travel decisions across the network.
Technical Profile
The Journey Planner at a Glance
A summary of how the TAP Journey Planner receives a trip request, calculates it and presents the result to the passenger.
| Planning mode | Door-to-door and stop-to-stop journey planning across the public transport network |
|---|---|
| Trip request | Origin, destination and a chosen departure or arrival time |
| Routing engine | Transfer-aware calculation of multi-leg itineraries, including walking legs to and from stops |
| Optimization criteria | Earliest arrival, fewest transfers and least walking |
| Network data | Routes, stops, trips and timetables from the TAP Bus Scheduling System, maintained in GTFS format |
| Live data | Predicted arrivals from the TAP Passenger Information System and published service alerts |
| Output | Ranked itinerary options with trip legs, transfer points, stop information and trip guidance |
| Delivery | Passenger mobile application |
Trip Planning Process
From Trip Request to Guided Journey
Every trip request passes through the same sequence, from locating the passenger’s origin and destination on the network to guiding them along the itinerary they choose.
Key Capabilities
Six Core Capabilities
Each capability is built around the information passengers need to plan, choose and complete a journey with confidence.
Journey Planning
Origin-to-destination planning across the network.
- Door-to-door and stop-to-stop queries
- Departure-time and arrival-time search
- Transfer-aware multi-leg itineraries
Route Information
Clear information on every route in the network.
- Route and direction details
- Stop sequence for each route
- Service patterns by time of day
Stop Information
Where to board, transfer and alight.
- Stop and station finder
- Routes serving each stop
- Next departures by stop
Available Travel Options
Alternative itineraries for an informed choice.
- Ranked itinerary options
- Earliest arrival and fewest transfers
- Least walking
Trip Guidance
Leg-by-leg guidance along the chosen itinerary.
- Walking legs to and from stops
- Boarding and transfer points
- Expected arrival at destination
Passenger Information Services
Network information in one application.
- Predicted arrivals at stops
- Service alerts reflected in trip plans
- Network and route overview
Optimization Criteria
The Right Journey for Every Passenger
The routing engine evaluates the available options against the criteria that matter most to passengers, so each person can choose the itinerary that suits them.
- Earliest arrival
- Fewest transfers
- Least walking
- Departure or arrival time
Key Benefits
Public transport that passengers can understand, plan and use with confidence.
Easier to Understand
Routes, stops and service options presented clearly in one application.
Easier to Use
Journeys planned in advance and followed leg by leg.
Informed Decisions
Itinerary options compared on time, transfers and walking.
Connected
Built on TAP's scheduling and passenger information systems.
Related
Works Together With
Software
Management
Software Development & Customization
Application features configured to each network.
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