The Real BART API

 

We've got your basic GTFS schedues and a simple Real Time ETD feed, too. But they're soooo 2007! Step up to The Real BART API. You'll get practically everything we use for BART trip planning:

  • Complete BART trip plans from BART's official trip planning engine, including transfers
  • Bike blackouts, special schedule notices, service advisories, and fare calculations
  • Real time estimates by platform, including direction and car length
  • Abbreviated service advisories (< 160 characters, like we use in our SMS services)
  • Station information, and much more...


Two ways to get an API Validation Key:

No strings attached:
We've never asked you to register for BART open data and our License Agreement is one of the least restrictive in the business. So whether you're kicking the tires or taking it to production, just give our customers good information and don't hog community resources: 

MW9S-E7SL-26DU-VV8V

Strings with benefits:
If you sign up for your own key you'll still be able to access the API if it turns into a tragedy of the commons. Plus you'll get a backstage pass to check out pre-release functionality that might just break everything you're working on -- or maybe give you a leg up in the marketplace.


Stay on top of changes
This API will change and evolve. To keep up, subscribe to the RSS feed or the opt-in email list or the BART Developers Google Group.

Don't use the BART logo
Only we get to use official BART trademarks and copyrighted works to let customers know they're getting info directly from BART versus one of the tons of other places that use BART open data.

Don't forget about us
Give us a shout out or a link back, then submit your app to the App Center.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you doing this?
We want to foster innovative applications, reach a broader audience and encourage more people to choose BART.

Will you help me troubleshoot?
If we help you, it's only fair that we help everyone else, too. We simply don't have the resources for that. Let us know about any issues or enhancements you'd like to see, but unfortunately we aren't able to provide technical support for your development efforts.

What are your plans for future development?
All of our developer services are created on what we call "BART one percent time." So within that context we're doing our best to fix problems, add new features and keep it all going. Drop us a line with your suggestions and stay up on changes through the RSS feed, the opt-in email list or the BART Developers Google Group.