London motorists are set to benefit from an enhanced range of smartphone apps after Transport for London opened up more of its data to software developers.
From today developers can access live information on the number of parking spaces available at 61 London Underground car parks and include traffic camera footage in their apps.These new feeds will give people even more information that will help them avoid congestion on the roads.
More than 5000 apps are currently powered by TfL’s free to use data feeds which include live service updates and details of planned roadworks.
Later this year the organisation will provide “simpler access” to road safety data, details on tunnels improvement work and further data on schemes which are modernising the road network.
Work is also underway to make fares information more accessible for developers and to provide more information on the predicted status of the transport and road networks so passengers and drivers can better plan ahead.
Announcing the new data feeds, Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Mobile devices and new sources of data are making it ever-easier to help people avoid delay and manage their journeys.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that we help people have easier journeys through the Capital, and we are lucky enough to have a booming tech sector in London that is perfectly positioned to help us deliver on this commitment.”
Developers can include footage from TfL’s camera network
Phil Young, Head of Online at TfL, said: “Our free open data helps millions of people plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays. These new feeds will give people even more information that will help them avoid congestion on the roads.
“As people increasingly use mobile devices in every aspect of their day-to-day life, it’s vital that we make our information as easy for customers to access as possible, both through our own services and those of third parties and partners.
“This helps people make more informed choices and stimulates new products and services from the Capital’s world-leading tech sector.”
For more information about TfL’s open data feeds, please visit http://tfl.gov.uk/developers
