Open Train Times is a Live Track Diagrams (like a magical map) that shows where is your train and tells when your train is coming and going. It’s super helpful because it tells you about all the different train companies and their schedules in the United Kingdom. Plus, it has excellent diagrams showing where trains are on the tracks! So, if you ever need to plan a journey, Open Train Times is your best friend.
Table of Contents
Short History of Open Train Times
Network Rail, responsible for compiling train timetables and managing signaling systems, initially hesitated when asked for data access. Train schedules, stored in TPS and exported in CIF format, were traditionally inaccessible. However, a push for real time data feeds for an open project ensued.
Although challenging, discussions at the Department for Transport led to a breakthrough. Eventually, the government recognized the public interest in making realtime data available. One man who thought so is Peter Hicks, who is the driving force behind Open Train Times (OTT). Peter is a former IP Network engineer, Railway Systems consultant, and software developer. His ambition is simply to provide information for the traveling public – he is a modern-day philanthropist.
OTT was launched in January 2012, starting as ‘TSDB Explorer’. This marked a significant step towards providing accessible, realtime train movement information to the public, enhancing travel transparency and convenience.
How Open Train Times (OTT) Works:
To ensure accurate real time train information, various data feeds are essential. These include TPS for timetable data, TRUST for live running updates, TD for train movement details, and VSTP for short-term schedule changes. Live track diagrams are created using this data, although some rural areas remain challenging due to older signaling systems.
Train Describer (TD) data, delivered in constant updates, includes detailed information like routes and signal aspects. C and S class messages relay signal statuses and track occupancy and operational conditions. These messages constantly update, providing critical information for train operations and passenger safety. Additionally, ‘latch’ messages indicate on/off statuses, ensuring efficient signalling control and emergency response. Realtime Track, Signal, and station diagram
Benefits of Using Open Train Times:
1. Built using Ruby on Rails for a smooth and efficient website experience.
2. Utilizes specialized software for enhanced performance.
3. Initially hosted on Rack space, migrated to Linode for better cost and performance.
4. Later, they moved to Amazon Web Services (AWS) for broader capabilities.
5. Handles massive daily data: 750,000 TRUST messages, 7,250,000 TD steps, 525,300 schedules.
6. Relies on free data from Network Rail’s Open Data platform.
7. Offers 126 hand-drawn maps with over 55,000 elements.
8. Supports up to 900 users simultaneously accessing maps.
9. Sees spikes in users during special events, like when the Flying Scotsman ran, reaching 1,500 users.
10. Instead of waiting at the station and not knowing when your train will come, you can check the open train times and plan ahead.
11. If there’s a delay or a schedule change, Open Train Times will let you know so you can adjust your plans accordingly.
How to Access Open Train Times:
Open Train Times (OTT) is easy to use once you get the hang of it. Visit opentraintimes.com, click “MAPS,” and select your desired geographic location. Then, choose the area and specific line you need information about. The map will display routes, signal numbers, and train describer berths. Users can identify trains using four-digit headcodes displayed in TD berths. Additionally, they can search for trains by location or use an advanced search engine. In just a few seconds, you’ll see all the trains coming and going, along with their schedules.
Why Open Train Times Matters:
Live Track Diagrams:
The track diagrams on Open Train Times show where trains are right now. It’s like looking at the same map train operators, and signalers use to keep track of trains.
Realtime Information:
Providing real time information to passengers helps reduce overcrowding and confusion at stations.
Train Operator Feedback
Open train time helps train companies understand how well their trains are performing and where they can improve.
Sectional division List
Open Train Times (OTT) organizes its service into different sections based on geographic regions. These sections include Eastern, Non-Network Rail, North West and Central, Scotland, Southern, Transport for Wales, and Wales and Western. Each section provides relevant train information for that specific area, allowing users to easily access the details they need for their journeys.
Area to be improved
Some users report inaccuracies when clicking on train representations, providing incorrect information.
- Limited coverage of maps, leading to missing information for some locations.
- Absence of email and SMS alerts for train services, including activation, movement, location, and cancellation.
- Lack of visibility on freight operating companies and service descriptions within the app.
Conclusion
OpenTrainTimes is like having a superpower for train travel. It helps you know exactly where your train is, even before it’s announced. People love how easy it is and how it helps them plan their journeys better. Thanks to Peter’s hard work, it’s a modern tool in an old-fashioned industry.
FAQs
Are Open train time shown Freight Train location?
No, Open train time have no accesses of Freight train location.
who is the founder of open train times web
Peter Hicks is the founder and owner of open train times.