Need to update your GTFS schedule in Swiftly due to a service change, unexpected event or issue with your GTFS? Swiftly's GTFS intake tool has you covered.
Overview of our GTFS Intake Process
You can access the Swiftly GTFS management tool under Admin > GTFS tools on the bottom right-hand side navigation.
Note: only users with GTFS management permissions can access this tool.
Automatic intake
If your GTFS intake process is automatic, we will scan the GTFS URL on file every few hours to detect a change in your static GTFS file. If a new file exists, Swiftly automatically uploads it. You can read more about this automatic process here.
Manual intake
Are you used to producing a zip file, but hosting a GTFS in a URL? Not a problem, you can manually upload your GTFS into Swiftly. Note, your GTFS settings need to be set to "Manual" in order to upload.
When using a manual upload, simply upload a zipped GTFS file directly from your computer to the GTFS Settings uploader. A description notating the GTFS updates is required for all manual file uploads.
Note: when you switch to manual upload, Swiftly will no longer automatically retrieve GTFS updates from the entered URL until it is changed back. Once automatic updates are turned back on, our system will update the GTFS if the files are different from those uploaded manually. If they are the same, our system will not upload a new GTFS.
Going live
If the upload is successful, your GTFS will be set to "Future" status and go live on:
- 3:30am local time of day of your next active service period in your GTFS calendar file.
Ex: if GTFS service starts 1/1/2026, and you upload on 12/25/2025, the file will not go live until 3:30am local time on 1/1/2026.
- Or, if you use the feed_info.txt file, the file will go live on the next active date on the feed_start_date field.
Note: if the GTFS service is already active, but uploaded after the active service date, the file will go live on the following service day.
Urgent GTFS changes
If a GTFS needs to be published ASAP, and not overnight, please contact us at support@goswift.ly. We will work with you to try and update your GTFS right away.
FAQs About GTFS Intake
What is the process behind the scenes for intaking new GTFS?
When the system detects a change to your GTFS files, it requires a reboot to your agency's dashboard. Rebooting means that your dashboard will be down for a few minutes. Because of this outage, processing and intaking a new GTFS file will happen late at night there is no transit service. We do this to avoid any dashboard problems during peak service hours.
How do I tell what version of our GTFS is being used right now?
In GTFS Intake History section the File Status: Shows "Active" for the currently-active GTFS file, and "Future" if a GTFS file has been processed and is waiting to become active.
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