Real Time APIs

GTFS-rt

Starting December 19, 2021, Swiftly replaces NextBus as Metro’s real time data provider. The NextBus API will still be available through January 2022. The Metro team will take that time to update api.metro.net to switch the backend to Swiftly and we will post updates here.

Overview

Metro real time information data is available for use by software developers. The API gives you access to the positions of Metro vehicles in real time as they travel their routes. As of December 19, 2021, Metro will be publishing real time data through Swiftly’s APIs. Endpoints are available for GTFS-rt standard format for Trip Updates and Vehicle Positions.

GTFS-static data can be accessed here:

For information on the GTFS-static and GTFS-rt specifications, visit the Mobility Data GTFS Resource Center.

Migrating from Nextbus to the Swiftly API

To access the Swiftly API, you will need to sign-up for an API Key through Swiftly’s API Key Request Form.

For more information on how to use the API, please reference the Swiftly API Documentation. Swiftly provides the GTFS-rt feed in Google Protocol Buffer binary format by default, although you are able to return the data in a human-readable format.

LA Metro’s agencyKeys are:

Bus – lametro
Rail – lametro-rail

Disclaimer

Metro does not guarantee the accuracy of the data.

Metro’s official app partner is Transit App, and Metro does not endorse any other application that uses this data.

Beta APIs

Overview

We’re building out additional public-facing APIs to provide more transparency and direct access to raw data. Since these feeds are in beta, all URLs and field names are subject to change.

Bus Cancellations

Download all currently scheduled canceled service (JSON)

This feed currently has three endpoints:

canceled_service_summary/ – returns the count of currently scheduled cancellations.
canceled_service/all/ – returns the entire list of currently scheduled canceled service.
canceled_service/line/{line}/ – returns the currently scheduled canceled service for a particular line.

The data is updated roughly every 5 minutes and is used to populate the My Canceled Bus experimental tool.

Access it here:

https://metro-api-v2.ofhq3vd1r7une.us-west-2.cs.amazonlightsail.com/docs

About the Data

Scheduled Cancellations Only – This data currently only includes scheduled cancellations. For example, a bus operator calls out sick, and the lines/trips they were assigned to are canceled. The data does not include unplanned situations, for example when a bus breaks down and is unable to continue trip service.

Metro-Operated Divisions Only – This data currently only includes data lines that are run by Metro-operated divisions. Lines run by contracted services are not included: