As Parabol , we were thrilled to be part of UITP Summit 2025 , one of the world’s largest gatherings for public transport professionals. Over the course of three exciting days in Hamburg, we showcased our platform Cermoni , engaged in insightful discussions, and explored the future of sustainable mobility. Day 1 – Kicking Off at Stand A337 We opened our stand at Hall 3 – Stand A337 , welcoming visitors to explore how Cermoni  supports public transport organizations with data-driven planning, operational optimization, and decision-making. It was a great start to connect with professionals from around the world. Day 2 – Parabol in Innovation Tour & Digital Twin On the second day, we had the opportunity to present our digital twin solutions  during the Innovation Guided Tour , attracting great interest from attendees. We also had the pleasure of welcoming our EIT project partners from TU Berlin and Konya Metropolitan Municipality  to our stand, strengthening collaboration and idea exchange. Day 3 – Cermoni On Stage and Beyond The final day was marked by a keynote from our Marketing Director, Tuğçe Işık , on “Scenario-based, Data-driven Public Transport Planning & Optimization” . We also had valuable conversations with partners and stakeholders from the global UITP network. UITP Summit 2025  was an inspiring event where we had the chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute to smarter mobility solutions.  See you at the next event! 👉 Want to learn more about Cermoni? Get in touch with us!

One of the most critical planning decisions in public transport operations is how to assign drivers and vehicles. Should you stick to fixed (assigned) pairings, or adopt a more flexible, dynamic structure? This blog explores both approaches—known in some systems as zimmetli  (fixed/assigned) and zimmetsiz  (unassigned/flexible)—to help you choose the best strategy for your operation. 🔒 What Is a Fixed Assignment? In a fixed assignment structure, a driver is regularly paired with the same vehicle and/or route  as part of the planning system. 📈 Key Benefits: Increased ownership:  Drivers feel responsible for a specific bus or line, leading to better care and performance. More predictable maintenance:  Consistent usage enables regular check-ups and cleaner operation. Easier tracking and feedback:  Complaints, satisfaction, and performance metrics can be monitored at the individual level. Route familiarity:  Drivers become specialists on specific lines, improving service quality and reliability. ⚠️ Possible Drawbacks: Limits flexibility—unexpected changes (sick leave, vehicle breakdowns) require manual intervention. Harder to manage in large fleets or complex shifts. Onboarding new drivers or rotating personnel may become challenging. 🔄 What Is a Flexible Assignment? In this approach, drivers and vehicles are assigned dynamically for each shift or day , with no fixed pairings in the plan. 📈 Key Benefits: High flexibility:  Allows for rapid adjustments in case of absences or emergencies. Operational efficiency:  Assignments are based on shift needs rather than fixed pairings. Automation-friendly:  Software like Cermoni can optimize assignments daily using algorithms. Fewer disruptions from unexpected events. ⚠️ Possible Drawbacks: Less sense of vehicle ownership among drivers. Route learning and consistency may decrease. Complaints or performance tracking become more generalized. 🧭 When to Choose Fixed vs. Flexible? Operational Context Recommended Approach Small fleet, few drivers Fixed Assignment Large fleet, multiple shifts Flexible Assignment Rural/low-density area Fixed Assignment High-traffic, urban network Flexible Assignment Long-term driver-line consistency needed Fixed Assignment High staff turnover or dynamic workforce Flexible Assignment 🔧 Cermoni Supports Both Models Cermoni’s planning tools are designed to support both fixed and flexible assignment models . For fixed systems: Assign long-term driver-vehicle-route pairings for consistent planning. For flexible systems: Use optimization tools to dynamically assign the best driver and vehicle for each shift. Regardless of your structure, the key is aligning your assignment strategy with your operational goals and constraints. 📊 Fixed or flexible—optimize your assignments with data-driven planning. Discover how Cermoni can support your operations.

📢 The fourth episode of Cermopedia  is now live! 🎥 In this new episode of our content series, where our experts explore key concepts in public transport, we answer the question: “What is assignment in public transport?” 🚍 How is an assignment relationship established between vehicles and drivers? 📍 What does it mean to assign a vehicle or driver to a specific line? 🔄 How do real-time operational changes affect assignment plans? ⚖️ When should you choose fixed vs. flexible assignment strategies? 💻 And how does Cermoni  support assignment planning? Find the answers to all these questions and more in our short video! Stay tuned for new episodes of Cermopedia , where we explain technical concepts in public transport in a simple and clear way!

Hello! With the 10th issue of Cermonews , we are thrilled to meet you for the tenth time. In every edition, we focus on an important topic in public transport, and with your comments, contributions, and questions, this series continues to grow stronger together with you. In this issue, we turn our attention to a critical element in the digitalization of transit systems and the international standard for data management: GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) . What is GTFS? Do we really have GTFS in public transport? What does GTFS provide? Cermoni’s GTFS conversion With these newsletters, our goal is to present technical knowledge in a simple and accessible way, producing content that contributes to the sector. As always, we continue with our regular sections— “News from Us,” “Cermopedia,” and “Behind the Scenes” —to share the latest updates and introduce the dedicated colleagues behind Cermoni. So, let’s open up the GTFS file together! What is GTFS? GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification)  is an open data format that enables public transport systems to be represented digitally. It contains the fundamental components of a transit system such as stops, routes, timetables, and trips. Today, GTFS is widely used by municipalities, transport operators, digital mapping services, and mobility companies around the world. GTFS consists of two main parts: GTFS Schedule  and GTFS Realtime . GTFS Schedule  includes files for routes, timetables, fares, and transfer details. GTFS Realtime  provides dynamic information such as vehicle positions, delays, and service alerts, allowing real-time updates for passengers. With GTFS, city transport data can be visualized on digital maps and shared seamlessly across applications. GTFS not only ensures digitalization, but also makes data accessible, editable, and analyzable . By keeping public transport data in a standard format, cities create databases that are easier to manage and integrate. Do We Really Have GTFS in Public Transport? Many transport authorities and operators believe they already have data “in GTFS format.” However, in most cases, this is only a superficial resemblance to the GTFS file structure. Simply combining CSV files is not enough. For true GTFS compliance, the following must be ensured: All core files (routes.txt, trips.txt, stop_times.txt, etc.) are created correctly and consistently. Data includes temporal and spatial completeness, aligned with the service model. A functional logic chain is established between schedules, routes, stops, and trips. The dataset is tested and validated against real-world use cases. Without these conditions, data may look like GTFS but not actually function as GTFS—leading to failures in integration with third-party systems, planning software, and passenger applications. What Does GTFS Provide for Public Transport? GTFS significantly enhances the passenger experience by providing accurate, real-time information. Passengers can check bus arrival times, routes, and transfers directly through mobile apps. Especially in large cities, GTFS powers trip planners and digital maps, reducing travel time and uncertainty. For operators and municipalities, GTFS is a powerful tool for planning and monitoring. It enables adjustments to timetables, demand analysis, and service optimization. The open-data nature of GTFS also facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, helping improve systems more quickly. Without a standardized format like GTFS, each city would maintain its own data structure, making system integration complex, time-consuming, and costly. This would hinder data sharing, slow down analyses, and limit the benefits of digital tools for both institutions and passengers. That’s why at Cermoni , we work to transform city transit data into GTFS-compliant datasets—ensuring integration, analysis, and sustainable use. Cermoni and GTFS Conversion: More Than Just a Format Cermoni does not simply convert scattered, raw data into GTFS format. It also ensures the dataset is functional for planning, analysis, and integration . In this way, GTFS becomes not just a technical requirement but a strategic data infrastructure . In Cermoni’s GTFS conversion process: Dispersed data such as stop lists, route definitions, and timetables are analyzed, missing or incorrect fields are identified, and structural consistency is established. Beyond technical validity, operational logic is also verified. For example, mismatches between service calendars and trip definitions, or inconsistencies between route start and end points, are detected and corrected. GTFS packages are generated to be directly compatible with external systems and tested against predefined scenarios. The result is a forward-looking infrastructure, ready for future planning and analysis tools—eliminating the need for repeated conversions. Common Misconceptions About GTFS “If we merge timetables and route geometries, we have GTFS.” ❌ Wrong. GTFS is not just a file structure; it is a data standard. CSV files may look like GTFS but cannot guarantee correct interpretation or integration. “Each agency can create its own GTFS format.” ❌ Wrong. GTFS is universal and does not change from agency to agency. It was developed by Google Transit and is openly documented to ensure consistency across systems. “Creating GTFS is purely a technical task.” ❌ Wrong. GTFS is not only about file creation but also about ensuring that the data makes sense from a transport planning perspective. Inconsistent calendars, inaccurate trip durations, or incorrect stop sequences may technically validate but still fail functionally. 📰 News from Us Join us at the UITP Global Summit 2025 in Hamburg! 🌍 We’re excited to announce that Parabol will be present at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, 15–18 June in Hamburg! You can find us at Hall 3 – Stand A337 , where we’ll showcase Cermoni’s solutions—from GTFS conversion to driver shift planning and deadhead minimization. We are also part of the “Innovation Guided Tour” , giving a live demo, and our Marketing Director Tuğçe Işık  will be sharing our digitalization project experiences from different regions on stage. We Attended Turkey’s Largest ITS Event – ConfITS25! Conf-ITS25 took place on April 16–17 in Ankara. We had the chance to connect with industry stakeholders and present our innovative solutions for sustainable, safe, and connected mobility. Thank you to everyone who visited our stand! Turkey’s First Metropolitan SUMP Project Completed in Izmir! 🌍 We’re proud to have completed Turkey’s first Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)  in Izmir, which also marks the country’s first application of an Activity-Based Model (ABM)  at the metropolitan scale. Safely Project Field Visit in Konya 🚦 Supported by EIT Urban Mobility , the Safely Project held a recent field visit in Konya, with partners from Parabol, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Transport, and TU Berlin. The visit included technical tours, safety presentations, and training sessions using the Safely platform. ✨ Cermopedia: GTFS Explained In the new episode of our Cermopedia  series, we explore GTFS—what it is, why it matters, and how it powers digital transit systems. Our colleague Yağmur Gülbaz , Industrial Engineer specializing in public transport algorithms, explains the essentials in a short and accessible way. 🎥 Watch the video here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKoyhxi_bOc&feature=youtu.be Behind the Scenes 🙌🏻 In each issue, we introduce a member of our team. This time, meet Özgün Akbaş , our Marketing Specialist at Parabol, who plays a key role in bringing Cermoni’s solutions to cities. “For me, Cermoni is more than just software—it’s a real transformation tool for public transport management. Every presentation and every piece of content we produce shares the same goal: promoting data-driven, sustainable, and user-friendly solutions for better mobility.” Have You Started Using GTFS in Public Transport? GTFS is a key step in the digitalization of public transport. Where does your city stand in this process? Some cities have already adopted GTFS, while others are just beginning. As Cermonews readers, we’d love to hear your experiences—what challenges or needs have you encountered? Your contributions make this newsletter even more valuable. Thank you in advance! 🙌🏻

📢 The third episode of Cermopedia  is now live! 🎥 In this new episode of our content series where our experts discuss key public transport concepts, we explore the question: “What is GTFS?” 🔍 What is GTFS? 📌 Why is GTFS data important? 📂 What information does GTFS contain? 👥 Who uses GTFS data? You can find the answers to these questions and more in our short video! Stay tuned for new episodes of Cermopedia , where we explain technical public transport topics in a simple and clear way!

Hello! We know that public transportation is not just about buses, trams, or subways. Behind these systems lies a complex structure that organizes the movement of thousands of people every day — determining timetables, assigning vehicles to routes, and coordinating schedules. One of the key elements that makes this system more efficient, transparent, and accessible is: data standardization . Today, we're going to talk about GTFS data , one of the foundational components of data sharing and integration in public transport, and what it means for cities. What is GTFS? GTFS stands for General Transit Feed Specification . Developed by Google, this international open data format provides essential information about a city’s public transport services — such as routes, stops, timetables, and schedules — in a common language that everyone can understand. The data is stored in simple .txt files, making it highly accessible for both municipalities with limited technical infrastructure and software developers. Today, GTFS has become the most widely used data standard in cities around the world — integrated into apps and adopted by decision-makers globally. Why is GTFS important? 1. Transparency and Accessibility GTFS makes public transport data accessible not only to operators but also to passengers, developers, and city planners. Anyone living in or visiting a city can view real-time bus schedules, stops, and routes via platforms like Google Maps. 2. Seamless Technological Integration GTFS enables different software systems to work together. Trip planners, mobile apps, decision support tools, and maps can easily process this data. In other words, standardized data is the foundation of technological solutions . 3. Data-Driven Planning and Decision-Making If a municipality wants to use its fleet more efficiently, reschedule services, or adjust routes based on passenger demand, GTFS is the starting point. Systems like Cermoni  rely on GTFS or similar structures to function — using data like timetables, stop locations, and route geometry for in-depth analysis. Example: What Could Change in a City with GTFS? Imagine Municipality X, currently planning with spreadsheets and outdated schedules. Each new analysis requires significant time and manual effort. Once this data is digitized and standardized through GTFS: Journey planning applications become instantly usable. Timetables can be optimized easily. Existing vehicles can serve more efficiently. Most importantly, a culture of data-driven decision-making  emerges. What Does Cermoni Do? At Cermoni , we don’t just use  GTFS — we help create, improve, and optimize it. In our collaborations with municipalities and public transport agencies: We convert existing data into GTFS format. We identify and correct missing or inaccurate data. We support planning decisions through GTFS-based analysis and optimization. Cermoni uses GTFS to analyze vehicle routes, service frequencies, stop structures, and passenger demand holistically. This allows agencies to offer better service with fewer resources . In Conclusion... Public transport solutions aren’t just about more buses  — they’re also about better data . Standards like GTFS allow cities to learn from one another, make systems more efficient, and improve the experience for passengers. The smart cities of the future will be the ones that can share and utilize data. And maybe, the first step is just a simple .txt file 🙂

📢 The second episode of Cermopedia  is now live! 🎥 In the first episode, we explored the question, “What are Dead Kilometers?” In this episode, we dive deeper into dead kilometer optimization  and discuss how to reduce this cost. 🔍 When do dead kilometers occur? 🛠️ What are the main approaches to reduce dead kilometers? 📉 What is the impact of dead kilometer optimization? You can find the answers to these questions and more in this episode of #Cermopedia ! Alongside the value we create with our products in public transport, our new series Cermopedia  will continue sharing valuable insights with you through upcoming episodes!

As Parabol , we took our place at the  Conf-ITS’25 Intelligent Transportation Systems Conference , organized by AUS Turkey  and held on April 16–17 at Teknopark Ankara. Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to share our data-driven solutions in mobility management  and how they contribute to our sustainable transportation goals with key stakeholders in the sector. Check out our video for a glimpse of our booth at Conf-ITS’25 and a quick tour of Parabol’s smart mobility solutions! We sincerely thank all the participants who visited our stand, showed interest in our work, and shared their valuable insights. Looking forward to seeing you at the next event! To stay updated with our latest news, follow our LinkedIn page via the link below!

📢 The first episode of our new content series, Cermopedia , is now live! 🎥 In this series, our experts break down key concepts in public transport. We kick off with the hidden cost of public transport — “What is Dead Kilometers?” 🚍 Join our team member and Industrial Engineer specializing in public transport algorithms, Yağmur Gülbaz , as she guides us through this topic. 🔍 What are Dead Kilometers? 🛑 Why do empty trips happen? 📉 How do they impact your fleet and budget? Find answers to these questions and more in this short video! Alongside the value we create with our products in public transport, our new series Cermopedia  aims to share useful insights with you. Don’t forget to follow us!

Minimizing dead kilometers is a crucial factor in ensuring the efficiency of public transportation systems, reducing operational costs, and developing sustainable mobility solutions. In this context, reducing the distances traveled without passengers, known as dead kilometers , is of great importance. Cermoni helps minimize dead kilometers in public transport management, lowering costs and increasing efficiency. What Are Dead Kilometers? Dead kilometers refer to the distance traveled by public transport vehicles without carrying passengers. These inefficient movements, typically occurring between the garage and the departure point or between the last stop and the garage, lead to high fuel consumption, increased maintenance costs, and inefficient fleet utilization. Benefits of Reducing Dead Kilometers Minimizing dead kilometers plays a critical role in cutting costs, improving operational efficiency, and supporting sustainability in public transport systems. By reducing fuel consumption, lowering fleet maintenance costs, and enabling more efficient scheduling of driver working hours, it provides direct financial benefits. At the same time, it contributes to an environmentally friendly transport system by reducing carbon emissions. Preventing vehicles from operating empty optimizes resource utilization and enhances overall efficiency in public transportation. This not only eases the operational burden on transport companies but also creates a more reliable and effective transport network for passengers. How Does Cermoni Minimize Dead Kilometers? Fleet and Driver Management:  By determining the optimal routes and schedules for vehicles, Cermoni enhances fleet management efficiency. This reduces unnecessary trips and ensures that driver working hours are planned more effectively. Additionally, vehicle and driver synchronization, as well as vehicle transfers between different routes, enable a more efficient operation. Demand-Oriented Planning:  By analyzing passenger density and trip data, Cermoni predicts where and when additional vehicles are needed, ensuring accurate and effective planning. Data-Driven Decision-Making:  By analyzing public transport data, Cermoni optimizes garage departure points, terminal placements, and fleet movements, significantly minimizing dead kilometers. Conclusion Minimizing dead kilometers is a critical step toward making public transportation systems more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. With smart analytics and optimization solutions, Cermoni empowers cities to make better decisions in public transport management. If you want to reduce unnecessary costs and improve efficiency in your transportation system, now is the time to take action! 🚍✨ Want to minimize dead kilometers for your business?

In public transportation systems, providing passengers with accurate and up-to-date information directly enhances their travel experience. Service schedules, stop changes, route cancellations, or additional services — all these updates need to be delivered to citizens quickly and effectively. So, how can you share this information with passengers in a fast and efficient way? The Power of Digital Platforms of Up-to-Date Public Transportation Information Today, the most effective way to share real-time information with citizens is through digital platforms. Both mobile apps and websites play a crucial role in ensuring public transport information reaches a wide audience. For example: Mobile Apps:  Push notifications instantly alert passengers about stop changes or delays. Websites:  Transport authorities regularly update route information and announcements on their official websites. Smart Stop Screens:  Digital panels at bus stops display real-time vehicle arrival times and service updates. Social Media and Instant Notifications Another powerful tool for reaching large audiences quickly is social media. Twitter (X):  Ideal for emergency announcements and schedule changes, ensuring quick communication. WhatsApp and Telegram Channels:  By creating dedicated information channels, passengers can receive instant updates directly. Instagram Stories:  Visual updates help communicate important service changes in a clear and engaging way. GTFS-Based Real-Time Integration One of the most efficient ways to share up-to-date public transport information with passengers is through GTFS Realtime . This system ensures that schedule changes, delays, or cancellations are instantly transmitted to mapping services and public transport platforms. Passengers can see real-time updates directly on the navigation apps they use and plan their journeys accordingly. Simplify Information Sharing with Cermoni Cermoni collects, analyzes, and transmits public transport data in real-time using the GTFS Realtime  format. Fully compatible with websites, mobile apps, and mapping services, Cermoni ensures that transport data is always up-to-date and accurate. Additionally, Cermoni’s modules can be integrated with social media and messaging apps, allowing seamless communication with passengers. Conclusion Sharing up-to-date public transport information with citizens is essential not only for passenger satisfaction but also for improving the overall efficiency of urban transport. By using digital platforms, social media, and GTFS-based systems, you can ensure that this information is delivered quickly and accurately. With Cermoni’s innovative solutions, you can keep your public transport data constantly updated and easily share it with citizens. Now is the time to act!

Public transportation systems form the backbone of urban mobility. Making these systems more efficient, integrated, and passenger-friendly is only possible through effective data management. Today, many cities and transit operators prefer GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification)-based data management to standardize their data and integrate it with broader digital ecosystems. So why is GTFS so important, and what benefits does it bring to public transportation? What is GTFS and Why is it Important? GTFS is a global standard that converts public transportation data into a format that can be easily understood by everyone. Essential information such as route details, stop locations, schedules, and fare structures is presented in the GTFS format. This ensures that cities, transportation apps, and digital map services can easily read and use this data. For example: Transparent Information Flow:  Passengers can access up-to-date and accurate public transportation information, allowing them to plan their journeys more effectively. Data Sharing:  It ensures data compatibility between municipalities, operators, and mapping services, providing consistent information across different platforms. Easier Analysis and Planning:  GTFS data can be used to analyze network performance, plan new routes, and improve service quality. How GTFS-Based Data Management is Used Providing Up-to-Date and Accurate Information:  Changes in routes, schedules, and service times are instantly reflected in the GTFS dataset. This ensures passengers always travel with the most current information. Easy Integration:  Digital platforms such as map services, mobile applications, and smart stop screens can directly use GTFS data, ensuring seamless compatibility between systems. Performance and Demand Analysis:  Passenger mobility data, stop-level passenger counts, and route-based occupancy rates can be analyzed through GTFS, supporting route optimization and capacity planning. GTFS-Based Data Management with Cermoni Cermoni provides end-to-end management of public transportation data creation, updating, and analysis in GTFS format. Operators can easily update route and schedule information through Cermoni, and this data is instantly converted into GTFS format and shared with mapping services and mobile applications. With Cermoni’s data analysis tools, not only the current situation but also historical performance data can be analyzed to identify improvement opportunities. This holistic approach helps both cities and passengers experience more efficient and integrated public transportation services. Conclusion GTFS-based data management is an essential component of modern public transportation systems. It supports data-driven decision-making processes, meeting the needs of both operators and passengers, and helps prepare urban transport infrastructure for the future. With Cermoni’s innovative GTFS solutions, you can standardize, analyze, and seamlessly integrate your public transportation data with the digital ecosystem. Now is the time to act!