Reminder to transport operators to report schedule changes within the set deadlines – new transport market innovations require precise data
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom wishes to emphasise the obligation for mobility service providers to open the interfaces for their services and to keep their reported data up-to-date. The implementation of the mobility-as-a-service concept requires that mobility service providers provide their essential data punctually so that all parties concerned can be notified of the changes in good time. Traficom monitors the data reporting process.
‘Interfaces containing essential mobility service data – such as routes, schedules and prices – and the opening and updating of these data resources should be seen as a much broader issue than just the activities of a single operator. In order to ensure the smooth operation of current travel chains and to promote innovation in new services, all operators should see to the opening of their interfaces and the reporting of any changes within the set deadlines,’ emphasises Kirsi Karlamaa, Traficom’s Director-General.
The Transport Services Act requires all operators to open their interfaces with regards to essential data and to report any changes to Traficom. Traficom monitors the opening of interfaces and reporting of data. Failures to comply with the deadlines for schedule data, for example, may incur sanctions.
Well-functioning travel chains require forecasting – report changes to Traficom at least 60 days in advance
When terminating regular mobility services, such as scheduled coach services, Traficom must be notified of the termination of the service at least 60 days in advance. This is highly important for maintaining the continuity and functionality of public transport and the trust of users of public transport services.
‘We consider the reliability of public transport to be very important for the effective functioning of the transport markets, and have therefore issued a warning in situations where information on the termination of a regular service has been reported too late’, explains Meeri Niinisalo, Legal Adviser.
‘Transport markets are undergoing rapid reform. If we want to obtain better and smoother services, we must be able to rely on mobility service providers to report the required data’, summarises Karlamaa.
Enquiries:
Kirsi Karlamaa, Director-General, kirsi.karlamaa(at)traficom.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 539 0403, Twitter @KirsiKarla
Meeri Niinisalo, Legal Adviser, meeri.niinisalo(at)traficom.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 534 6514