[Talk-us] Updating tagging of public transport

[Mike N]

On 2/4/2015 11:48 PM, Paul Johnson wrote:
>>     Generally, it is not feasible to use OSM as a dataset backing an
>>     official GTFS feed.   This is because the probability of the GTFS
>>     dataset being uploaded to Google and thereby violating the license
>>     if the street centerlines or stops were derived from OSM.
>
>
> Google isn't the only consumer of GTFS, and it is possible to provide
> attribution in a GTFS feed.

It's mostly a matter of probability of being uploaded to Google: if a 
transportation authority publishes a trip planner that consumes GTFS, 
there will be a constant stream of requests to have the capability added 
to Google Maps.   The original implementer should know about OSM 
licensing issues, but if he leaves, the co-workers who take his place 
will have no chance of knowing about or remembering license terms.   The 
open GTFS format will end up in Google despite any embedded attribution 
or notes.