Algorithmic Analysis of GTFS-RT vehicle position accuracy

Abstract: This paper presents three novel algorithms for calculating geodesic intersections on an ellipsoid. These algorithms are applied in a case study analyzing real-time transit data in California to assess vehicle position drift. The analysis reveals that while certain data anomalies can be corrected, large-scale discrepancies persist. The paper concludes by proposing a set of practical solutions that can be implemented by either data producers or consumers to significantly improve positional accuracy.