missing_recommended_file: recommended file missing Warning
The GTFS feed has no feed_info.txt, a file that is optional but recommended. What it gives reusers and how to write one in a few lines of CSV.
What this rule means
The GTFS reference sorts files into required, conditionally required and optional. Some optional files are strongly recommended. In the GTFS Express catalogue this rule concerns feed_info.txt: when it is missing, the validator raises this notice. Severity: warning.
feed_info.txt even becomes required as soon as the feed contains translations.txt.
Why it matters
A warning does not block a delivery in GTFS Express. But without feed_info.txt, whoever receives the feed cannot tell who published it, in which language, or what period it covers. They cannot tell two successive versions apart, nor know where to report a mistake. Apps that watch for data expiry have no feed_end_date to read.
Common causes
- The tool producing the feed writes only the required files.
- The file was dropped when datasets were split or merged.
- The feed was put together by hand from a few spreadsheets.
- The file exists under another name, such as
feedinfo.txtorfeed_info.csv, so it is not recognised.
How to fix it
Create feed_info.txt with its three required fields: feed_publisher_name, feed_publisher_url and feed_lang (a language code such as en). Add the recommended ones: feed_start_date and feed_end_date matching the calendars, feed_version to identify the release, feed_contact_email or feed_contact_url for reports.
In GTFS Express, the editor lets you fill in feed_info.txt in the draft like any other file of the feed, and the entry becomes a retouch. "Re-validate" then confirms the warning is gone and that the declared dates hold.
Example
A minimal yet complete feed_info.txt:
feed_publisher_name,feed_publisher_url,feed_lang,feed_start_date,feed_end_date,feed_version,feed_contact_email
Example Transit,https://transit.example.org,en,20260901,20270704,2026-09-v3,data@transit.example.orgSee also the guide Validate a GTFS feed and the list of rules.