How to Use the TransportAPI MCP in Windsurf

Q: How does Windsurf handle service disruptions with TransportAPI?

Windsurf uses the getupdates tool to check for active alerts across all modes—bus, rail, and tram. It returns detailed descriptions of disruptions, affected lines, severity levels, and even alternative route recommendations right away.

Q: Can Windsurf plan a journey using TransportAPI for non-London routes?

Absolutely. The getjourneyplan tool covers all UK public transport, including services in Manchester, the West Midlands, and other regional operators, not just London.

Q: Does Windsurf need specific coordinates for TransportAPI queries?

No. While some tools use location data, the searchstops function lets you find bus stops using names or landmarks first. This gives your agent the necessary Naptan stop IDs before querying arrivals.

Plan any UK trip, automatically. Let Windsurf use TransportAPI to map multi-modal journeys for you.

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Connect TransportAPI MCP to Windsurf

Create your Vinkius account to connect TransportAPI to Windsurf and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup TransportAPI with Windsurf

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Perplexity

Automate Complex Journey Mapping

The `get_journey_plan` tool builds full itineraries combining buses, trains, trams, underground lines, walking paths, and bike routes. You set a start point and an end destination—Windsurf figures out the whole trip, including transfer times, total duration, and which operator runs each leg. This is critical for passenger coordination systems that need door-to-door planning across Great Britain's public transit network.

Track Live Arrivals and Departures

Windsurf uses real-time data to track services at stops. Calling `get_bus_arrivals` shows line names, expected wait times, and ETAs for buses. Similarly, `get_rail_departures` gives immediate information on trains leaving a specific UK station. These tools let your agent monitor service status instantly, whether you're planning a pickup or tracking an arriving train.

Discover and Validate Transit Locations

Need to know which stop ID to use? The `search_stops` tool finds matching bus stops by name or location. You can also get detailed info on any station using `get_station_info`, retrieving data like accessibility features, operating hours, and specific facility details. This metadata helps your agent validate inputs before running a major journey query.

Setup guide

Set up TransportAPI MCP in Windsurf

Prerequisites

Windsurf IDE installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Click the Cascade assistant icon in the sidebar, then click the hammer icon (🔨) at the top of the panel. Select "Configure" to open ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.
2

Add the TransportAPI MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Refresh MCPs

Go back to the hammer icon (🔨) in Cascade and click "Refresh". Windsurf will detect the new server. No full restart is needed — the connection is hot-reloaded.
4

Verify in Cascade

Start a new Cascade conversation and ask something like "Show my TransportAPI payment history." If connected, Cascade will call the TransportAPI tools directly. You will see a green dot next to the server name in the MCP panel.

mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "transportapi-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

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Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by TransportAPI. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about TransportAPI MCP in Windsurf

Windsurf uses the `get_updates` tool to check for active alerts across all modes—bus, rail, and tram. It returns detailed descriptions of disruptions, affected lines, severity levels, and even alternative route recommendations right away.

Absolutely. The `get_journey_plan` tool covers all UK public transport, including services in Manchester, the West Midlands, and other regional operators, not just London.

No. While some tools use location data, the `search_stops` function lets you find bus stops using names or landmarks first. This gives your agent the necessary Naptan stop IDs before querying arrivals.

The Vinkius platform handles authentication via a single endpoint token, ensuring that all data requests through this MCP Server remain securely managed and isolated.

It deals heavily in structured location data, including latitude/longitude coordinates, bus line names, train operating companies (TOCs), and precise arrival/departure times.

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