To follow up on my ideas for improving open data in Hong Kong, I have started to send requests to related departments and companies.
My feedback to data.gov.hk is sent, and Reference ID is 1746064293-A-5SPS2. This request is also sent to PITCL by email.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Request for Release of Open Data by Park Island Transport Company Limited
I am writing to the Transport Department, Data.Gov.HK team to urge Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL) to release its transportation-related data as open data, as it represents a critical missing piece in Hong Kong’s public transportation data ecosystem. As a key provider of bus and ferry services connecting Ma Wan to Central, Tsing Yi, Kwai Fong, and Hong Kong International Airport, PITCL’s data is essential for creating a comprehensive and integrated view of the city’s transit network.
Other operators, such as Fortune Ferry and Tsui Wah Ferry Service, have already made their data publicly available, enabling developers and researchers to build innovative tools like real-time transit apps and accessibility solutions. By contrast, the absence of PITCL’s data limits the ability to provide seamless, city-wide transportation solutions for commuters and visitors. Releasing the data would bridge this gap and enhance Hong Kong’s reputation as a smart city.
Specifically, I request the release of the following data in machine-readable formats (e.g., JSON, CSV, or GTFS):
- Bus and Ferry Schedules: Timetables for routes such as NR330, NR332, NR334, and ferry services, including departure and arrival times.
- Real-Time Transit Data: Live updates on bus/ferry locations, delays, and service disruptions. PITCL has already set up an ETA website http://eta.pitcl.com.hk/shk?site=pi&lang=zh, and the next step of such live data should be released as open data.
- Route Information: Details of stops, routes, and fares.
- Historical Data: Service performance metrics, such as on-time rates and passenger volumes.
Sharing this data aligns with Hong Kong’s smart city goals, as promoted by the Digital Policy Office, and follows the example set by platforms like DATA.GOV.HK. It would also showcase PITCL’s commitment to transparency and community collaboration, potentially fostering partnerships with tech innovators and improving service visibility through apps like HKeMobility.
I am happy to discuss how the community can support this initiative or address any concerns. You may reach me for further discussion.
Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to PITCL joining Fortune Ferry, Tsui Wah Ferry Service, and others in making Hong Kong’s transportation data more accessible and impactful.
Yours sincerely,
Sammy Fung
President, Open Source Hong Kong.
I replied:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Follow-Up on Request for Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL) Open Data (Ref: 1746064293-A-5SPS2)
Thank you for your response regarding my request for Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL) to release its transportation-related data as open data. I appreciate your efforts in forwarding my suggestions to PITCL and encouraging them to make their data publicly available. However, I respectfully disagree with the concerns raised about commercial sensitivity and technical barriers, and I would like to propose further steps to address this matter.
Firstly, regarding the concern about commercial-sensitive data, particularly real-time transit data and historical data, I believe that the release of such data, in line with practices already adopted by operators like Fortune Ferry and Tsui Wah Ferry Service, does not inherently compromise commercial interests. For instance, data such as bus and ferry schedules, route details, and anonymized performance metrics (e.g., on-time rates and passenger volumes) are standard in open data initiatives globally, as seen on platforms like DATA.GOV.HK. These datasets can be structured to exclude any proprietary or sensitive information, such as internal financial records, while still providing significant public value. The success of other transport operators in Hong Kong in sharing similar data demonstrates that commercial sensitivity can be managed effectively while promoting transparency and innovation.
Secondly, I do not believe technical concerns pose a significant barrier to releasing open data. PITCL already operates a real-time estimated time of arrival (ETA) website (http://eta.pitcl.com.hk/shk?site=pi&lang=zh), which indicates that the infrastructure for collecting and disseminating real-time transit data is in place. Converting this data into machine-readable formats (e.g., JSON, CSV, or GTFS) is a straightforward process, as evidenced by the practices of other operators. Additionally, the DATA.GOV.HK platform provides clear guidelines and support for data providers, including the Terms and Conditions of Use, which ensure compliance with open data standards. I am confident that any technical challenges can be addressed with existing tools and expertise available in Hong Kong’s tech community.
To move this initiative forward, I would be happy to participate in a meeting with representatives from the Transport Department and PITCL to discuss these concerns in detail and explore practical solutions. Such a meeting could clarify how to structure data releases to address commercial and technical considerations while aligning with Hong Kong’s smart city goals, as promoted by the Digital Policy Office. I am also willing to connect PITCL with technical experts from the open data community who can assist in implementing best practices for data sharing, drawing from the successful models of DATA.GOV.HK and other transport operators.
Please let me know a suitable time to arrange this discussion. You may reach me by email. I look forward to collaborating with the Transport Department and PITCL to make Hong Kong’s transportation data ecosystem more comprehensive and impactful.
Thank you for your continued support and consideration.
After a month long, Transport Department replied to my request regarding open data from PITCL:
Thank you for your enquiry and suggestions on the release of open data by Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL). We have forwarded your suggestions to PITCL for their consideration and encouraged them to open up data to the public. It is understood that they have some technical concerns and concerns for protection of commercial-sensitive data, especially in relation to Real -Time Transit Data and Historical Data. The Transport Department will continue to liaise with PITCL and encourage them to open up data.
Sammy. That is brilliant. Would you mind if I did the same.
P.s. do you live on park island.
I would love to grab a coffee
Chris Ransford
Thanks, Chris, I will keep in touch with you in direct message. 🙂