Overview
ISO/TS 24530-4:2006 defines tpeg-ptiML, the XML encoding for the TPEG Public Transport Information (PTI) application. Part 4 of the ISO/TS 24530 series, this Technical Specification standardizes how public (collective) transport data - across inter-urban and intra-urban modes - is packaged in XML so it can be efficiently and language-independently transmitted to end users or other service providers (broadcasters, operators, information centres).
Key elements of the standard include the XML element set (for example: , , , , ), supplied DTD and external entity files (tpeg-ptiML.dtd / .ent), and examples demonstrating typical message structures.
Key Topics and Requirements
- XML encoding for PTI: Defines element names, attributes and structure for representing public transport information in tpegML.
- Language independence: Uses external entity files for text tables so messages can be rendered in multiple languages without changing the XML structure.
- Message composition: Standard fields for message management (message_id, version_number, generation/start/expiry times, severity_factor, etc.) and grouping rules for presenting data.
- Views/presentation models: Supports four presentation “views” to match common consumption patterns:
- Incident Report View
- Station/Terminal View
- Route View
- Individual Service View
- Location referencing: Integrates with TPEG location referencing (tpeg-locML) to encode nodal points, coordinates (WGS84), descriptors and mode_type lists.
- DTD and entity definitions: Normative Annexes provide DTD (.dtd) and external entity (.ent) files to ensure interoperability and consistent table entries.
Applications and Users
Practical uses of ISO/TS 24530-4:2006 include:
- Exchanging pre-edited public transport messages between service providers, broadcasters, and transport operators.
- Feeding journey planners, real-time departure boards, and mobile apps with standardized PTI messages.
- Enabling multilingual dissemination of service disruptions, timetable changes, incidents, and route-level reports.
- Facilitating integration with other TPEG applications and broadcast/internet distribution channels (DVB, DAB, ARIB, ATSC).
Primary users:
- Transport data architects and system integrators
- Public transport operators and network control centres
- Broadcast and telematics service providers
- Software developers building TPEG-compliant parsers and displays
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 24530-4:2006, tpeg-ptiML, Public Transport Information, TPEG XML, PTI, DTD, tpegML, traffic and travel information.