FAQs about PTV Lines

PTV Lines is a cloud-based public transport service planning software with no installation needed. It enables route and network planning, timetables, and improvement of connections in a few clicks, without any modelling having embedded routable map, accelerating daily tasks  regarding route changes and larger redesigns. 

Planners can compare scenarios with performance indicators (KPIs) to make quick, evidence-based decisions, and use built-in demand/ridership, accessibility, and connection analysis to target improvements where they have the most impact. For fast onboarding and hand-offs, PTV Lines supports GTFS/OD inputs and provides ready to use analysis and export in various formats to continue processes in other systems. It's web-based interface lets teams collaborate easily, share ideas quickly and make nice understandable reports for the stakeholders.

PTV Lines includes ridership  and occupancy calculation for individual vehicles and trips that shows where, when & how many passengers use services, supporting data-driven service changes. 

It also provides accessibility insights and connection analysis, with scenario comparison and service performance KPIs so planners can quantify effects (e.g., production indicators, catchment area figures) and target measures that support service reliability. 

Yes. PTV Lines lets planners compare multiple scenarios with instant KPIs and catchment/production indicators. You can then export all indicators as a .csv file for rapid what-if evaluation and reporting. 

PTV Lines supports GTFS import, OD (origin–destination) data import, and map-based editing for immediate network/timetable adjustments. Additionally, the Data Integration Guide confirms you can bring supply, OD, and population, socio economic data, land use and POIs into PTV Lines, avoiding a rebuild of lines, stops, stop areas, and timetables.

Yes. PTV Lines explicitly supports both long-term strategies and daily operations, letting teams plan strategically via scenario comparison & KPIs and act operationally with routbale embeded map  for quick timetable,route or connection changes. You can create  timetables, change operating days in your timetable, detour different modes, analyze connections or compare various scenariosin the tool. The public transport planning overview reinforces fast, intuitive planning on interactive maps for network and timetable improvements.

PTV Lines is a cloud-based tool built specifically for public transport service planning, so teams can edit routes, timetables, and connections in a few clicks. It emphasizes rapid scenario comparison (with instant KPIs and CSV export) and practical ready to use analysis (ridership/demand, accessibility, connections) to guide evidence-based decisions. 

It supports GTFS/OD imports and map-based editing and also a web client with immediate feedback on travel time when line routes are modified. For mixed workflows, PTV Lines covers edit/detourC11s, timetable creation, connections analysis, scenarios comparison, network accessibility.  PTV Visum data (supply/OD/background) can be brought into PTV Lines, reducing rework.

PTV Lines is built for public transport service planners working in public authorities, operators, and consultancies. It supports both long-term strategies and daily operations. Typical planning challenges for both authorities and consultancies are addressed in PTV Lines.

• Network and Service Design - Determine if express routes or new connections are needed, detour planning and marketing informative maps for passengers.
• Capacity Planning - Adjust vehicle size and frequency based on passenger load.
• Timetable Optimization - Align headways with actual demand, especially during peak hours.
• Infrastructure Investment - Support decisions for bus lanes, stations, or interchanges.
• Performance Monitoring - Compare actual ridership with modelled expectations.

PTV Lines enables evidence-based planning by combining scenario comparison with instant KPIs, ridership & demand insights, and accessibility analysis, so planners can test options, quantify impacts, and choose the best service design. 

You can compare multiple scenarios (line level) and export indicators as CSV for review. The faster, data-driven decisions, with visual feedback supports stakeholder discussions and measurable service quality improvements.

Yes. PTV Lines supports team collaboration in a cloud workspace so planners can work from a centralized, always-up-to-date platform with real-time access and easy file sharing, ideal for coordinated project work and client reviews. 

Admins can invite teammates via User Management to control access and roles. For scenario sharing, planners can compare variants, export indicators as CSV, and export maps (PNG) to brief decision-makers and align on choices.

You can choose PTV Lines when the priority is service planning and timetable iteration in the browser. It is cloud-based, enables rapid edits to routes, timetables, and connections, and supports scenario comparison with KPIs for quick option testing and communication. This profile aligns with day-to-day adjustments and near-term redesigns where turnaround time matters. 

PTV Visum works when the task requires strategic, system-wide modeling, for example macroscopic demand modeling, network-wide scenario evaluation, and long-term planning questions. 

You can use both in combination when projects span service design ↔ strategic modeling. PTV Lines and PTV Visum are built on the same fundament and allow easy, seamless data exchange in both directions.

PTV Lines improves planning efficiency by enabling map-first editing of routes and timetables, reducing setup and rework. Scenario comparison shows production indicators and catchment figures immediately, with CSV export to accelerate reviews and audits. 

The instant feedback on operational costs supports the quick trade-off testing. For resource optimization and cost control, the product features highlights scenario planning & cost calculations to optimize vehicle usage and reduce operational expenses, alongside ridership and accessibility insights to focus service where it delivers the most value.

PTV Lines runs entirely in the browser, no installation needed. You can request a trial license or receive a subscription. 

Technical requirements are a latest Google Chrome browser. Any other browser works, eventually depending on the versions, some UI elements might not be shown appropriately.

Supply ca be exported as GTFS or PTV Visum file. All performance and ridership indicators can be exported as csv files. Customized marketing maps and informative maps for passengers and stakeholders can be created and exported as PNG file.

Yes. PTV Lines provides two-way data exchange with transport planning tools like PTV Visum. You can export service plans from PTV Lines to PTV Visum for deeper analysis and export timetables from PTV Visum to PTV Lines to kick-start service planning, minimizing transmission errors. 

Supply can be exported as GTFS and be used in any other public transport planning and operation systems. 

PTV Lines is designed to be intuitive and browser-based, so new users can get results without formal training. To speed first use, there are short, step-by-step tutorials and for deeper expertise or structured onboarding, professional training courses are offered along with beginner guides, release notes, and a helpdesk.

PTV Lines is hosted in the EU and designed to meet high security requirements. The service runs on Microsoft Azure within PTV’s controlled data center/network environment. PTV Group’s ISMS is ISO/IEC 27001:2022-certified (TÜV SÜD, July 10, 2025), underscoring risk-based controls, continuous improvement, and data protection across development and operations. Security and privacy practices are documented in the Trust Center (standards, compliance, and responsible operations).

License model is based on the size of the public transport network, and it's modules, such as ridership and line blocking

Yes, a free trial is available with a 4-week trial and a short activation flow. This lets teams evaluate the cloud, browser-based environment without installation and validate fit before commercial scoping.

Yes. PTV Lines is delivered as a cloud-based SaaS with a web client, no installation is required and the application is self-updating, so teams automatically use the latest version without local patching. 

Support is included with paid subscriptions, as defined in PTV Cloud Services terms. Service operation runs on Microsoft Azure within PTV’s data center/network (EU hosting noted). In practice, this means updates and platform maintenance are handled by PTV, while users simply sign in via a supported browser.

• Helpdesk Portal, where you can  submit and track technical requests (requires a free PTV account; you can sign up and open a new case in “My Support”).
• Knowledge Base, where you can search for troubleshooting articles and FAQs maintained by support specialists.
• Downloads, Learning & Support hub for PTV Lines, which is an entry point to beginner guides, self-learning materials, professional trainings, release notes, and the Helpdesk/FAQ links.
• Tutorials (how-to videos) are short step-by-step guides for first use and common tasks (e.g., editing, scenarios, KPIs, accessibility, GTFS/OD). 

Case studies are available in PTV Group's Resource Library. Some examples include Winnipeg Transit’s network redesign, Kaunas bus network optimization, and TTK’s consulting use case on saving time and resources, with additional stories highlighted in the central hub.