From a4aa723fb56647dd8b408cd0a62ef85d00a5c35f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2026 07:54:00 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 01/13] Update gtfs-realtime.proto

Add NewRoutes to proto
---
 gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto | 71 ++++++++++++++++++++++++-
 1 file changed, 70 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
index e050fc19f..7a8d0a39a 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
@@ -113,6 +113,7 @@ message FeedEntity {
   optional Shape shape = 6;
   optional Stop stop = 7;
   optional TripModifications trip_modifications = 8;
+  optional Route route = 9;
 
   // The extensions namespace allows 3rd-party developers to extend the
   // GTFS Realtime Specification in order to add and evaluate new features and
@@ -424,6 +425,10 @@ message TripUpdate {
     // NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
     optional string trip_short_name = 6;
 
+    // Specify the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed.
+    // Optional if schedule_relationship is NEW, forbidden otherwise. 
+    optional string route_id = 7;
+
     // The extensions namespace allows 3rd-party developers to extend the
     // GTFS Realtime Specification in order to add and evaluate new features
     // and modifications to the spec.
@@ -796,6 +801,8 @@ message TripDescriptor {
   optional string trip_id = 1;
 
   // The route_id from the GTFS that this selector refers to.
+  // This field is used to identify a trip inside an existing GTFS, not to dynamically create or insert new routes
+  // To assign routes dynamically, use the `trip_properties.route_id` field. 
   optional string route_id = 5;
 
   // The direction_id from the GTFS feed trips.txt file, indicating the
@@ -1222,6 +1229,68 @@ message TripModifications {
   extensions 9000 to 9999;
 }
 
+// NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
+message Route {
+  // Identifier of the route. Must be different than any route_id defined in the (CSV) GTFS.
+  // Required
+  optional string route_id = 1;
+
+  // See definition of routes.agency_id in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // Conditionally Required, see reference
+  optional string agency_id = 2;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_short_name in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // Conditionally Required, see reference
+  optional TranslatedString route_short_name = 3;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_long_name in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // Conditionally Required, see reference
+  optional TranslatedString route_long_name = 4;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_desc in (CSV) GTFS.
+  optional TranslatedString route_desc = 5;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_type in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // Required
+  optional RouteType route_type = 6;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_url in (CSV) GTFS.
+  optional TranslatedString route_url = 7;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_color in (CSV) GTFS.
+  optional string route_color = 8;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_text_color in (CSV) GTFS.
+  optional string route_text_color = 9;
+
+  // See definition of routes.route_sort_order in (CSV) GTFS.
+  optional uint32 route_sort_order = 10;
+
+  // The extensions namespace allows 3rd-party developers to extend the
+  // GTFS Realtime Specification in order to add and evaluate new features and
+  // modifications to the spec.
+  extensions 1000 to 1999;
+
+  // The following extension IDs are reserved for private use by any organization.
+  extensions 9000 to 9999;
+}
+
+// NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
+enum RouteType {
+  // route type as defined in the (CSV) GTFS
+
+  LIGHT_RAIL = 0;
+  SUBWAY = 1;
+  RAIL = 2;
+  BUS = 3;
+  FERRY = 4;
+  CABLE_CAR = 5;
+  GONDOLA = 6;
+  FUNICULAR = 7;
+  TROLLEY_BUS = 11;
+  MONORAIL = 12;
+}
+
 // NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
 // Select a stop by stop sequence or by stop_id. At least one of the two values must be provided.
 message StopSelector {
@@ -1256,4 +1325,4 @@ message ReplacementStop {
 
   // The following extension IDs are reserved for private use by any organization.
   extensions 9000 to 9999;
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}

From 315d4bcc9a4d1f8be57d880562a78005b49fb2d3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2026 12:48:00 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 02/13] Update gtfs-realtime.proto

Change route_type to int32 to support extended route types per PR feedback
---
 gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto | 18 +-----------------
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 17 deletions(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
index 7a8d0a39a..560832572 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
@@ -1252,7 +1252,7 @@ message Route {
 
   // See definition of routes.route_type in (CSV) GTFS.
   // Required
-  optional RouteType route_type = 6;
+  optional int32 route_type = 6;
 
   // See definition of routes.route_url in (CSV) GTFS.
   optional TranslatedString route_url = 7;
@@ -1275,22 +1275,6 @@ message Route {
   extensions 9000 to 9999;
 }
 
-// NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
-enum RouteType {
-  // route type as defined in the (CSV) GTFS
-
-  LIGHT_RAIL = 0;
-  SUBWAY = 1;
-  RAIL = 2;
-  BUS = 3;
-  FERRY = 4;
-  CABLE_CAR = 5;
-  GONDOLA = 6;
-  FUNICULAR = 7;
-  TROLLEY_BUS = 11;
-  MONORAIL = 12;
-}
-
 // NOTE: This field is still experimental, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.
 // Select a stop by stop sequence or by stop_id. At least one of the two values must be provided.
 message StopSelector {

From 6cf9c5b7171320913a2b042e9161a53cb9436f79 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:02:03 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 03/13] add Route message and fields for sort order and dates

Adding documentation for the Route message including route metadata, sort order, and activation dates to align with the NewRoutes proposal
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 20 +++++++++++++++++++-
 1 file changed, 19 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index 544207b13..07ec98ed9 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ A definition (or update) of an entity in the transit feed. If the entity is not
 | **shape** | [Shape](#message-shape) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime added shapes, such as for a detour. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **stop** | [Stop](#message-stop) | Conditionally required | One | A new stop added to the feed dynamically. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_modifications** | [TripModifications)(#message-tripmodifications) | Conditionally required | One | List of trips affected by a particular modifications, such as a detour. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
-
+| **route** | [Route](#message-route) | Conditionally required | One | Data about a new route added to the feed dynamically, such as a bus bridge. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 
 ## _message_ TripUpdate
 
@@ -735,3 +735,21 @@ _If a modification affects the first stop of the trip, that stop also serves as
 |------------------|------------|----------------|-------------------|-------------------|
 | **stop_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | The replacement stop ID which will now be visited by the trip. May refer to a new stop added using a GTFS-RT `Stop` message in the same GTFS-RT feed, or to an existing stop defined in the (CSV) GTFS feed’s `stops.txt`. If it refers to a `Shape` entity in the real-time feed, the value of this field should be the one of the `stop_id` inside the entity, and _not_ the `id` of `FeedEntity`. The stop MUST have `location_type=0` (routable stops). |
 | **travel_time_to_stop** | [int32](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | The difference in seconds between the arrival time at this stop and the arrival time at the reference stop. The reference stop is the stop prior to `start_stop_selector`. If the modification begins at the first stop of the trip, then the first stop of the trip is the reference stop. <br/><br/>This value MUST be monotonically increasing and may only be a negative number if the first stop of the original trip is the reference stop. <br/><br/>If the value is not supplied, consumers MAY interpolate or infer the `travel_time_to_stop` based on other data. |
+
+## _message_ Route
+Real-time information about a transit route. This message is used to dynamically define a route that does not exist in the static GTFS.
+
+| _**Field Name**_ | _**Type**_ | _**Required**_ | _**Cardinality**_ | _**Description**_ |
+| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
+| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Identifier of the route. Must be different than any route_id defined in the static GTFS. |
+| **agency_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Agency which operates the route. See [routes.agency_id](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Short name of the route. See [routes.route_short_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_long_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Long name of the route. See [routes.route_long_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_desc** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Description of the route. See [routes.route_desc](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_type** | [int32](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Describes the type of transportation used on a route. See [routes.route_type](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_url** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | URL of a web page about the route. See [routes.route_url](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_color** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Route color in RGB hex format. See [routes.route_color](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_text_color** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Route text color in RGB hex format. See [routes.route_text_color](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_sort_order** | [uint32](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | A non-negative integer used to specify the order in which the routes should be displayed. |
+| **start_date** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | The first day that the new route is active, in YYYYMMDD format. |
+| **end_date** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | The last day that the new route is active, in YYYYMMDD format. |

From f03724fe22165466aaa2cdf8b831d351f206a75a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:11:32 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 04/13] add route_sort_order and activation dates to Route
 message

Updated gtfs-realtime.proto to include:

route_sort_order (uint32) for display sequencing.

start_date and end_date (string) for route activation periods.
Added comments referencing the corresponding (CSV) GTFS definitions to maintain specification consistency.
---
 gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto | 8 ++++++++
 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
index 560832572..f748b2249 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
@@ -1266,6 +1266,14 @@ message Route {
   // See definition of routes.route_sort_order in (CSV) GTFS.
   optional uint32 route_sort_order = 10;
 
+  // See definition of calendar.start_date in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // The first day that the new route is active, in YYYYMMDD format.
+  optional string start_date = 11;
+
+  // See definition of calendar.end_date in (CSV) GTFS.
+  // The last day that the new route is active, in YYYYMMDD format.
+  optional string end_date = 12;
+
   // The extensions namespace allows 3rd-party developers to extend the
   // GTFS Realtime Specification in order to add and evaluate new features and
   // modifications to the spec.

From 1d169ab45035d2a698163720009f46d85542a0dd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:45:15 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 05/13] Marked agency and route names as Conditionally Required

Updated agency_id, route_short_name, and route_long_name to match the requirements in the GTFS-NewRoutes proposal document.
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index 07ec98ed9..ae736e91d 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -742,9 +742,9 @@ Real-time information about a transit route. This message is used to dynamically
 | _**Field Name**_ | _**Type**_ | _**Required**_ | _**Cardinality**_ | _**Description**_ |
 | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
 | **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Identifier of the route. Must be different than any route_id defined in the static GTFS. |
-| **agency_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Agency which operates the route. See [routes.agency_id](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
-| **route_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Short name of the route. See [routes.route_short_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
-| **route_long_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Long name of the route. See [routes.route_long_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **agency_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Agency which operates the route. See [routes.agency_id](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Short name of the route. See [routes.route_short_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
+| **route_long_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Long name of the route. See [routes.route_long_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
 | **route_desc** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Description of the route. See [routes.route_desc](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
 | **route_type** | [int32](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Describes the type of transportation used on a route. See [routes.route_type](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
 | **route_url** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | URL of a web page about the route. See [routes.route_url](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |

From 8f6d060102755fbb5a7ba962f00cfbe2bd8645ba Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:13:30 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 06/13] Add route_id to TripProperties


From 907e9cf6679509143e807b79119059453ac560fc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:28:44 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 07/13] Clarify static vs dynamic route_id in reference.md

---
 gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
index 5a13d24e4..4bd52c2af 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/proto/gtfs-realtime.proto
@@ -811,7 +811,7 @@ message TripDescriptor {
   optional string trip_id = 1;
 
   // The route_id from the GTFS that this selector refers to.
-  // This field is used to identify a trip inside an existing GTFS, not to dynamically create or insert new routes
+  // This field is used to identify a trip inside an existing static GTFS, not to dynamically create or insert new routes
   // To assign routes dynamically, use the `trip_properties.route_id` field. 
   optional string route_id = 5;
 

From df7a18d1b5b523d57f62f070a6c29ba958bf18aa Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:28:57 -0700
Subject: [PATCH 08/13] Add route_id description to TripProperties table

---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 1 +
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index c6af888e5..01b62dcae 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -264,6 +264,7 @@ Defines updated properties of the trip.
 | **shape_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the identifier of the shape of the vehicle travel path when the trip shape differs from the shape specified in (CSV) GTFS or to specify it in real-time when it's not provided by (CSV) GTFS, such as a vehicle that takes differing paths based on rider demand. See definition of `trips.shape_id` in (CSV) GTFS. <br>If a shape is neither defined in (CSV) GTFS nor in real-time, the shape is considered unknown. This field can refer to a shape defined in the (CSV) GTFS in shapes.txt or a `Shape` in the same (protobuf) real-time feed. The order of stops (stop sequences) for this trip must remain the same as (CSV) GTFS. If it refers to a `Shape` entity in the same real-time feed, the value of this field should be the one of the `shape_id` inside the entity, and _not_ the `id` of `FeedEntity`.<br>Stops that are a part of the original trip but will no longer be made, such as when a detour occurs, should be marked as schedule_relationship=SKIPPED or more details can be provided via a `TripModifications` message.<br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_headsign** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the headsign for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the name for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
+| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed. |
 
 ## _message_ VehiclePosition
 

From 321aca226a5e9bee29e613fc91df7eb08069944c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2026 12:09:59 -0800
Subject: [PATCH 09/13] Update gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md

Co-authored-by: Skander Chouchene <skander@mobilitydata.org>
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index 01b62dcae..417be93b9 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ Defines updated properties of the trip.
 | **shape_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the identifier of the shape of the vehicle travel path when the trip shape differs from the shape specified in (CSV) GTFS or to specify it in real-time when it's not provided by (CSV) GTFS, such as a vehicle that takes differing paths based on rider demand. See definition of `trips.shape_id` in (CSV) GTFS. <br>If a shape is neither defined in (CSV) GTFS nor in real-time, the shape is considered unknown. This field can refer to a shape defined in the (CSV) GTFS in shapes.txt or a `Shape` in the same (protobuf) real-time feed. The order of stops (stop sequences) for this trip must remain the same as (CSV) GTFS. If it refers to a `Shape` entity in the same real-time feed, the value of this field should be the one of the `shape_id` inside the entity, and _not_ the `id` of `FeedEntity`.<br>Stops that are a part of the original trip but will no longer be made, such as when a detour occurs, should be marked as schedule_relationship=SKIPPED or more details can be provided via a `TripModifications` message.<br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_headsign** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the headsign for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the name for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
-| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed. |
+| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.|
 
 ## _message_ VehiclePosition
 

From 83e5b697df21d3a2bf1e61e1d22f75b920891889 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:05:37 -0800
Subject: [PATCH 10/13] Update gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md

Co-authored-by: phil-swiftly <philip.cline@goswift.ly>
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index 417be93b9..f5540b829 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ A definition (or update) of an entity in the transit feed. If the entity is not
 | **alert** | [Alert](#message-alert) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime alert. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. |
 | **shape** | [Shape](#message-shape) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime added shapes, such as for a detour. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **stop** | [Stop](#message-stop) | Conditionally required | One | A new stop added to the feed dynamically. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
-| **trip_modifications** | [TripModifications)(#message-tripmodifications) | Conditionally required | One | List of trips affected by a particular modifications, such as a detour. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
+| **trip_modifications** | [TripModifications](#message-tripmodifications) | Conditionally required | One | List of trips affected by a particular modifications, such as a detour. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **route** | [Route](#message-route) | Conditionally required | One | Data about a new route added to the feed dynamically, such as a bus bridge. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 
 ## _message_ TripUpdate

From 9b11f48d176c7e78a0c4fd2080c6b1e8a84b1fd9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:44:13 -0800
Subject: [PATCH 11/13] Update reference.md

Clarified the shape entity to also document route as a choice
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index f5540b829..bd0b10c5f 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ A definition (or update) of an entity in the transit feed. If the entity is not
 | **trip_update** | [TripUpdate](#message-tripupdate) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime departure delays of a trip.  At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. |
 | **vehicle** | [VehiclePosition](#message-vehicleposition) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime position of a vehicle. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. |
 | **alert** | [Alert](#message-alert) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime alert. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. |
-| **shape** | [Shape](#message-shape) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime added shapes, such as for a detour. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, or shape must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
+| **shape** | [Shape](#message-shape) | Conditionally required | One | Data about the realtime added shapes, such as for a detour. At least one of the fields trip_update, vehicle, alert, shape or route must be provided - all these fields cannot be empty. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **stop** | [Stop](#message-stop) | Conditionally required | One | A new stop added to the feed dynamically. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_modifications** | [TripModifications](#message-tripmodifications) | Conditionally required | One | List of trips affected by a particular modifications, such as a detour. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **route** | [Route](#message-route) | Conditionally required | One | Data about a new route added to the feed dynamically, such as a bus bridge. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |

From a7b870c21cf713aaaeb348e04400fc0dccd83798 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:51:11 -0800
Subject: [PATCH 12/13] Update reference.md

Addressed review feedback from @phil-swiftly:
- Included `route` in the `FeedEntity` description list of conditionally required entity types.
- Noted that `route_id` in `TripProperties` is forbidden when `schedule_relationship` is not `NEW`.
- Added a cautionary note that `route_id` should not be reused for different disruptions or car pools on the same service day.
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index bd0b10c5f..195d82ddf 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ Defines updated properties of the trip.
 | **shape_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the identifier of the shape of the vehicle travel path when the trip shape differs from the shape specified in (CSV) GTFS or to specify it in real-time when it's not provided by (CSV) GTFS, such as a vehicle that takes differing paths based on rider demand. See definition of `trips.shape_id` in (CSV) GTFS. <br>If a shape is neither defined in (CSV) GTFS nor in real-time, the shape is considered unknown. This field can refer to a shape defined in the (CSV) GTFS in shapes.txt or a `Shape` in the same (protobuf) real-time feed. The order of stops (stop sequences) for this trip must remain the same as (CSV) GTFS. If it refers to a `Shape` entity in the same real-time feed, the value of this field should be the one of the `shape_id` inside the entity, and _not_ the `id` of `FeedEntity`.<br>Stops that are a part of the original trip but will no longer be made, such as when a detour occurs, should be marked as schedule_relationship=SKIPPED or more details can be provided via a `TripModifications` message.<br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_headsign** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the headsign for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
 | **trip_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the name for this trip when it differs from the original. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future. |
-| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.|
+| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Optional | One | Specifies the route associated with the trip, if the route has been added dynamically. The associated `Route` message should be included in the same feed. Optional if `schedule_relationship` is `NEW`, and forbidden otherwise. <br><br>**Caution:** this field is still **experimental**, and subject to change. It may be formally adopted in the future.|
 
 ## _message_ VehiclePosition
 

From 1adb147017e488440785320125dcbebf78a9aa25 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: cleveramarquet <amarquet@cleverdevices.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:53:49 -0800
Subject: [PATCH 13/13] Update reference.md

Added a cautionary note that `route_id` should not be reused for different disruptions or car pools on the same service day.
---
 gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
index 195d82ddf..7c80c731b 100644
--- a/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
+++ b/gtfs-realtime/spec/en/reference.md
@@ -741,7 +741,7 @@ Real-time information about a transit route. This message is used to dynamically
 
 | _**Field Name**_ | _**Type**_ | _**Required**_ | _**Cardinality**_ | _**Description**_ |
 | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
-| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Identifier of the route. Must be different than any route_id defined in the static GTFS. |
+| **route_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Required | One | Identifier of the route. Must be different than any route_id defined in the static GTFS. Note: route_id should not be reused for different disruptions or car pools on the same service day.|
 | **agency_id** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Agency which operates the route. See [routes.agency_id](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
 | **route_short_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Short name of the route. See [routes.route_short_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |
 | **route_long_name** | [string](https://protobuf.dev/programming-guides/proto2/#scalar) | Conditionally Required | One | Long name of the route. See [routes.route_long_name](https://gtfs.org/schedule/reference/#routestxt). |