After seven years of fighting the monopoly of the CHAPS company on the source data of the timetables of the Czech Republic, Seznam.cz is launching a beta version of its own timetables. To existing the Pubtran application will increase from today standalone web service, search on the Seznam.cz home page and also iOS application. Timetables are linked to map data from the Mapy.cz service. Therefore, it can find a complete route from place to place, not just from stop to stop. In addition, Seznam.cz offers all those traveling abroad complete timetables in a number of European destinations.
The main advantage Timetables from Seznam.cz compared to the competition is the use of its own map materials. This connection allows people to look at the information and the route of the selected connection at the same time. Both can also be clicked through for a closer look informace. When planning, timetables also take into account the exact route of pedestrian movement. Related to this is the fact that it is not necessary to know the exact name of the stop. You only enter where you want to go and the Timetables will take you step by step to the nearest stop. At the same time, it accurately measures real time, including movements. Of course, it is possible to choose a connection without transfers or barrier-free, or to choose only certain modes of transport (tram, bus, metro...). There is also the possibility to save frequent searches - for example for work. The opposite direction is shown with one click. You can also plan your route by public transport directly from the Seznam.cz main page, using the search window.
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"We decided to build competition to the only national player so far. According to us, he has been abusing the fact that he has exclusive data for a long time, and is also not publishing it correctly, even though it should be open by law. Out of service Pubtran application i search for connections on mapy.cz we see that there is interest in our way of planning public transport routes. That's why we were not deterred from launching the Beta version even by the fact that, due to the monopoly, we still don't have a comprehensive one informace. We conclude contracts with individual carriers in order to continuously supplement publicly available data and thus be able to provide people with the best possible service. At the same time, we are ready to immediately add any other carrier to our data. We will continue to fight what we believe to be illegal behavior by CHAPS with all available means," explains Jan Štěpán, product manager of Timetables.
Seznam.cz has complete data in its timetables, for example, in the South Moravian region, in Prague or Pilsen. Here, thanks to direct cooperation with carriers, it gets them, including real-time information on route delays. In other parts of the country, some may be more detailed informace, as delay, miss. Not even the timetables of all trains, trams, trolleybuses or international lines are publicly available yet. "As soon as we manage to get the data, it is done without delay Timetables we will add," adds Jan Štěpán.
Something extra: Timetables of European destinations
In Europe, the common standard is the openness of machine-readable timetable data. Due to this, people have a lot of applications from different providers that are based on this data. Unfortunately, the Czech Republic is a negative exception: by law, carriers must provide data from timetables to one company under the threat of sanctions. User interest comes last. On the other hand, Švý can be a positive examplecarsko: all timetable data is available to everyone. Timetables from Seznam.cz therefore search in complete seamscars timetables, they also offer. "SeamcarSlovakia is a country that could be a model for us in data openness. Of course, it is not in Europe alone. Therefore, we will also please travelers with the timetables of selected large cities from Italy, Spain and France. We randomly name Florence, Venice, Bologna, Palermo, Grenoble, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Malaga. The selection is already large and we will continue to expand it," adds Jan Štěpán.
The timetables are available in the beta version at separate web address, using search on home page of Seznam.cz av the Pubtran application for operating system phones Android and recently for the operating system iOS. Seznam.cz has prepared a small and useful surprise in its mobile applications. It is now possible to purchase SMS tickets in cities that offer this option. There will no longer be a need to search for how to buy a ticket and to copy the text of the SMS ticket and phone number. An application with timetables from Seznam.cz will suffice.
