Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Belgian Mobility Open Data Portal, our datasets, and how to use them.
General Questions
What is the Belgian Mobility Open Data Portal?
The Belgian Mobility Open Data Portal is a centralized platform that provides access to public transport data from Belgium's four major operators: De Lijn, STIB-MIVB, TEC, and SNCB. We aggregate and standardize mobility information to enable developers, researchers, and mobility innovators to build next-generation transport applications.
Who can use this portal?
The portal is designed for developers, researchers, mobility companies, app creators, students, and anyone interested in Belgian public transport data. Public datasets are freely available, while premium content requires registration through our developer portal.
Is the data free to use?
Yes, the basic public datasets including GTFS static data and real-time feeds are freely available under open data licenses. Premium content with enhanced features, historical data, and higher API limits requires a subscription through our developer portal.
Data & Formats
What is GTFS and why do you use it?
GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) is an industry-standard format for public transportation schedules and geographic information. We use GTFS because:
- It's widely adopted and supported by major mapping services
- Provides standardized data structure across all operators
- Enables easy integration with existing applications
- Supports both static schedule data and real-time updates
How often is the data updated?
Update frequencies vary by data type:
- GTFS Static Data: Daily updates
- GTFS Real-time Feeds: Every 30 seconds
- STIB Vehicle Positions: Every 15 seconds
- Waiting Times & Service Alerts: Real-time updates
What transport operators are covered?
We provide data from Belgium's four major public transport operators:
- De Lijn: Flanders bus and tram network
- STIB-MIVB: Brussels metro, tram, and bus network
- TEC: Wallonia regional bus network
- SNCB: National railway network
Technical Support
Are there rate limits on the APIs?
Public APIs have reasonable rate limits to ensure service availability for all users. Premium subscribers through our developer portal get higher rate limits and priority access. Contact us through the developer portal for specific rate limit requirements.
How do I get access to premium features?
To access premium features:
- Register for an account on our developer portal
- Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs
- Obtain your API keys for authentication
- Access enhanced datasets and higher rate limits
Where can I find API documentation?
Comprehensive API documentation is available on our Knowledge Base and developer portal. You'll find code examples, endpoint specifications, authentication guides, and best practices for integrating our data into your applications.
Usage & Licensing
Can I use the data for commercial projects?
Yes, both public and premium datasets can be used for commercial projects. Please review our Terms & Conditions for specific usage guidelines and attribution requirements. Commercial applications may benefit from premium subscriptions for enhanced features and support.
Do I need to attribute the data source?
Yes, proper attribution is required when using our data. Please credit "Belgian Mobility Company" and include a link to this portal when possible. Specific attribution requirements may vary by operator - check our Terms & Conditions for detailed guidelines.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is here to help.