Custom ferry routes to PTV routing via API

[Tomasz Lotocki]

Hi everyone!
Is there a way to add custom ferry connections to the PTV routing system — for example via API or another method? The use case includes long-distance ferries like Cork–Zeebrugge, which aren’t part of the standard network.

Is it possible to define such routes directly, or is the only workaround to split the trip into two legs (e.g. Start → Cork, then Zeebrugge → End)?

Would appreciate any insights or suggestions!

[Bernd Welter]

Hello Tomasz,

thanks for that question - I took a deeper look into this and here's what I can say:

• Adding own traffic objects such as segments or ferries is not possible - the only "level" of data manipulation is when it comes to "changing attributes" of existing objects:
  • Block ferries
  • Change opening status, speed, weight restrictions on existing road segments
• At first I wanted t create a supplier bug towards HERE and stress the missing ferry, but thanks to my awesome colleague Thorsten I learned this:
  • The ferry connection CORK<=>Zeebrugge is a RO-RO-Ferry which means: the container / trailer is loaded onto the ferry, but the truck isn't. At the destination harbour the container is supposed to be loaded on another truck. (I immediately compared it to the ROLA which is part of the maps but Thosten tackled this properly: the ROLA takes both container AND vehicle)
  • HERE does not provide RollOn-RollOff-ferries.

Solution:
Therefore the workaround you described is absolutely correct as it models the reality of such a transport:

• First leg on Truck #1 : calculate a route from the start location to the ferry's start port
• Consider the traveltime on the ferry if you have access to that information.
• Then calculate the route from the ferry exit port to the destination with truck #2
• Assemble the structure of the result in a way that fits the user's expectation

Funpart: irish limerick!

A ferry set sail out of Cork,
Bound straight for Zeebrugge, not York.
With trailers in tow,
It skipped the land’s flow,
And spared drivers the channel-road walk.