In September 2022, authentication using an API key will be introduced for the software interfaces of HSL Journey Planner map and route search services. The change will not directly affect the services used by HSL’s customers and therefore customers do not need to do anything. The change will affect operators using HSL’s data. It aims to improve the use of services in the future.
Interface services will continue to be provided free of charge in line with open data principles. However, in order to use the services, users will need to include their API key in interface service requests. The API key allows HSL to monitor the use rate of the open interface services and, if necessary, to contact users. This allows us to provide a better service, but also to collect development suggestions from users.
There will be a transition period of six months until 3 April 2023. During this time, the services can be used as before or in the new way. However, we recommend that users switch to the new system as soon as possible.
More information about the change is available at the Digitransit website, digitransit.fi/en/developers/api-registration/
HSL’s open APIs
HSL’s open APIs provide a wide range of data that can be utilized for various purposes. These include, for example, map, routing and address search interfaces that are also used for HSL’s services such as the Journey Planner. For more information, see hsl.fi/en/open-data
What is an API?
API is a programming interface through which applications communicate with each other. Generally speaking, API means any programming interface. An API may be an interface for internal use in an app or an external interface for other apps.