[DRT] After the adoption of GTFS-Flex, stops.txt should no longer be a required file.

[tzujenchanmbd]

Context

Before the adoption of GTFS-Flex in PR#433, stops.txtwas the sole file in GTFS defining the geographic locations (geometry: points) where riders board and alight. However, after its adoption, producers can define riders boarding and alighting geographic areas through locations.geojson (geometry: polygons) as well. In theory, an agency may exclusively offer zone-based demand-responsive services, in which case the feed may only contain locations.geojson without stops.txt.

Proposed change

Therefore, we suggest changing the presence of stops.txt from Required to Conditionally required (required if locations.geojson doesn't exist).

GTFS validator behavior

Once the spec is modified, the GTFS validator can make corresponding adjustments, such as:

• Both stops.txt and locations.geojson exist - no error
• Either stops.txt or locations.geojson exists - no error
• Neither stops.txt nor locations.geojson exists - error (missing required file stops.txt)

Please share any thoughts you have here. We plan to open a PR soon.

[LeoFrachet]

I support taking a decision in short term on that, since a few of us are currently working on GTFS-Flex implementation.

I'm leaning toward making it optional, but if people have strong opinions against that, let us know.