TBEST Version 5.2 (released 9/8/2026)

The TBEST 5.2 release features compatibility with the Microsoft .NET 10 runtime and the latest Esri software releases. With this technology upgrade, the TBEST 5.2 release improves overall application performance, responsiveness, security, and stability.

The following features highlight the functional improvements implemented in this release.

TBEST 5.2 Feature Updates

  • Route Pattern Trip Editor – improved trip range visualization and streamlined trip editing.
  • TBEST Land Use Model 5.2 – the FDOT TBEST Ridership Estimation model has been updated to be compatible with the latest Microsoft and Esri technology. In addition to the technology upgrades, this release features significant reductions in overall model run time. Ridership estimation results are unchanged from the previous model release.
  • UI Updates – Overall improvements to readability, layouts and design to better navigate the TBEST interface.
  • ArcGIS Online Map Rendering – improved translation of TBEST map symbols to ArcGIS Online.
  • Sample TBEST Add-In and Model – GitHub projects have been upgraded to .NET 10.

TBEST Version 5.1 (released 3/8/2026)

The following features highlight the improvements within the TBEST 5.1 release.

ArcGIS Enterprise

Users can now login to TBEST using ArcGIS Enterprise credentials. TBEST supports OAuth, Named User, and Integrated Windows Authentication (IWA). Enterprise users can gain access to Portal content within TBEST including Basemaps, Portal Service Layers and posting TBEST Maps to the organizational Portal.

TBEST Map Layer Updates

TBEST 5.1 brings full ArcGIS integration, management and interoperability into TBEST. The following features have been added:

  • Basemaps – sourced from organizational Portal vector basemaps.
  • New File Types – In addition to Mobile Geodatabase and ArcGIS Online Service Layers, TBEST now supports referencing Map Layers from File Geodatabase, Shapefile and GeoPackage file types. TBEST also supports exporting data into these file types.
  • Map Layer Attribute Table – interact with user Map Layer tables using map selections, table selection, and queries.
  • Advanced Layer Symbology – set Simple, Picture Symbol, Class Breaks, and Unique Value renderer.
  • Export Map Layers – export specific Map Layers and their selected features.
  • Map Layer Tools – Buffer Features, Generate Sheds from Features, Create Mobility Areas from Features, and perform Map Layer Market Assessment Reporting.
  • Modify Map Layer Name and Opacity Many additional improvements that make utilizing Map Layers in TBEST
  • Many additional Map Layer improvements

Updated Map Layer Exports

  • ArcGIS Online Hosted Content – TBEST 5.1 has added the ability to export TBEST maps and map layers into ArcGIS Online Hosted Feature Layers and Hosted Maps. Hosted content is editable by the user within ArcGIS Online and allows access to the full range of ArcGIS Online Tools including Symbol Editing and inclusion in ArcGIS Online apps. Hosted Feature Layers and Maps also provide improved rendering of TBEST generated content including map labels and symbology.
  • ArcGIS Pro – To make great use of your ArcGIS Pro licensing, TBEST 5.1 allows all map and map layer exports to be opened in ArcGIS Pro. The ArcGIS Pro export retains all TBEST map layer symbology, labels and data. The exported data opens in an ArcGIS Pro layout window containing a Title, Description, and Legend. Great for generating additional map content outside of TBEST.

Layer Distribution Map

To quickly identify patterns within the TBEST data, the Layer Distribution Map is now included in many common TBEST reporting tools. The Layer Distribution Map automatically classifies input datasets to show Transit Service, Socio-Economic, Title VI, Performance, and Land Use characteristics. The Layer Distribution Map is included in the TBEST Map Layer Reporting, Socio-Economic Summary, Land Use Summary, Query Results, Performance Reporting, TAZ Growth Rates Export and Headway Report.

Transit Network Editing

  • Import Stops from Map Layer – The Import Stops network coding tool imports stops from any user Map Layer into the TBEST transit network. The tool can import stops into the Active Route Pattern, Selected Routes or All Routes.
  • Import Segments – The Import Alignment toolbar on the main TBEST Toolbar has been removed and replaced with the Import Segments tool. The Import Segments tool uses the Map Layer Attribute Table toolset to discreetly and interactively select importable segment features based on known attributes and/or locations.

 

  • Stop Auto Capture Settings – users can now set the Stop Auto-Capture Placement option to capture stops on either the Right or Left sides of TBEST network alignments.
  • Existing Auto-Stop Capture Improvements – improved TBEST existing stop capture accuracy and performance. The procedure will also now favor either right or left side and require less user input to determine questionable stop insertion locations along the route. In addition, the Multiple Route Locations Found dialog now includes a navigable map interface to provide location context for user stop placement determination

  • Generate Stops by Density – the existing TBEST Generate Stops tool has been enhanced to include a Generate Stops by Density option which inserts route pattern stops based on socio-economic density and defined spacing intervals. The tool will automatically detect density on a stop-by-stop basis and place subsequent stops using the spacing ranges defined by the user.

Network Accessibility

TBEST 5.1 includes an updated Network Accessible Ridership Analysis dashboard which summarizes accessible riders from locations within the network. The updated interface emulates the existing Socio-Economic and Land Use Accessibility dashboard analysis tools and includes interactive tools to create, query and visualize accessible ridership results. Includes the  following features:

  • Summarize stop-level Estimated and Observed Ridership
  • Wizard setup to include Market Filtering using Mobility Areas
  • Dashboard Heatmaps and Interactive Ridership Accessibility Summary
  • Reports
  • Exportable Maps to ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro

Florida TBEST Socio-Economic Data Updates

The Florida 2026 Socio-Economic Data Package is available for download and includes the following state-wide data:

  • 2020 Census geography and demographic tables
  • 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate tables
  • 2023 LEHD Employment tables
  • 2025 Florida Parcel Land Use tables.

Florida TBEST Transit System Updates

The 2026 Florida TBEST Transit Systems are available for download and include the following:

  • Transit Agency Logo
  • Each Transit System references the new Florida 2026 Socio-Economic Data package
  • Transit networks generated from the February agency GTFS files (where available)
  • Configured with publicly available fares, per hour/per mile cost, transfer stations and general special generator/amenity information.
  • Completed ridership forecasting model run using the new TBEST Land Use Model 5.0 model.

TBEST Functional Updates

  • Socio-Economic Configuration Tool – Now supports 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates and 2023 LEHD Workplace Area Characteristics
  • Package GIS Layers within TBEST System Export File – when creating TBEST System Export files (.tbest), any referenced Map Layers or Socio-Economic Growth Layers within TBEST Network Scenarios can be packaged within the .tbest file. This eliminates problems with orphaned map layer references when sharing System Export files with other TBEST users.
  • Mobility Area Management – improved tools for creating Mobility Areas from Map Layers, Mobility Area Reporting and bulk deleting Mobility Areas.
  • Single Instance – TBEST will now only open in a single instance. In previous versions, TBEST could be opened in multiple instances.
  • TBEST Land Use Model 5.1 – the FDOT TBEST Ridership Estimation model has undergone slight changes which results in nominal ridership estimation variations relative to the 5.0 model.