What problem in GTFS datasets does this new rule address? Please describe.

In some feeds, I have seen records in the shapes.txt file where two rows of data have the exact same GPS coordinate and exact shape_dist_traveled value. The current behavior of the validator treats this as a severe error. Although it is a somewhat duplicative record, I wouldn't think that it would qualify as a severe error and probably has no noticeable effect to an end user when shown a shape in a trip planner UI.

Describe the new validation rule

The code as follows should have more nuance:

The code should also look to see if the GPS coordinates in the previous record were the same GPS coordinates in the current record and as long as the shape_dist_traveled value is also equal, a notice should be generated, but the severity of that notice should be only a warning.

Error vs warning

There should still be an error if the shape_dist_traveled is equal but the GPS coordinates change. But if the coordinates are the same and the shape_dist_traveled is the same, only a warning should be generated.