Train Activation

Overview

In IT terms, an activation message is produced when a 'train entity' is created from a 'schedule entity'. The train entity refers to a single run of a train, starting on one day whereas the schedule entity is potentially valid for several months at a time. Within TRUST, this process is known as 'Train Call'

For most trains, there is no corresponding business event which triggers an activation, which happens automatically (auto-call) before the train is due to run.

The exception to this is for schedules which are "Runs as required", or "Runs to terminals/yards as required" - flagged with Q or Y in the schedule. By default, it is assumed that the train will not run unless the train operator decides that it will, and submits a message to the TRUST system. This will then cause the schedule to be activated for that day, and the activation process is known as 'manual call'.

Train activations are usually received either one or two hours before the train is due to run, but these trains may be manually called earlier if some details of the train are due to change.

The activation message includes the schedule UID, schedule STP Indicator, and a 10-character ID (unique only within a calendar month) which is seen in all further message for a the train.

Data structure

Header

Field	Description
msg_type	Set to '0001' for an activation message
source_dev_id	Always blank for an activation message
source_system_id	Set to "TRUST" for an activation message
original_data_source	Set to "TSIA" for an activation message

Body

Field	Description
train_id	Set to the 10-character unique identity for this train, and will appear in other TRUST message types
creation_timestamp	The time, in milliseconds, when the train was originally created in TRUST
tp_origin_timestamp	The date, in YYYY-MM-DD format, the train runs. For trains activated before midnight that run after midnight, this date will be "tomorrow's" date
train_uid	The UID of the schedule being activated - either a letter and five numbers, or a space and five numbers for VSTP trains
sched_origin_stanox	STANOX of the originating location. May not be nil
sched_start_date	The start date of the schedule
schedule_end_date	The end date of the schedule
schedule_source	Set to 'C' for schedules from CIF/ITPS, or 'V' for schedules from VSTP/TOPS
schedule_type	Either C (Cancellation), N (New STP), O (STP Overlay) or P (LTP)
sched_wtt_id	The headcode and TSPEED of the train (either '1', '2', '3', '4', 'C', 'M', 'N' or 'O')
d1266_record_number	Either '00000' for a CIF/ITPS schedule, or the TOPS unique ID of the schedule
tp_origin_stanox	If the train is due to start from a location other than the origin (i.e. it is part-cancelled), the STANOX of the location at which the train starts, otherwise the STANOX of the scheduled origin location
origin_dep_timestamp	The estimated WTT time of departure from the originating location
train_call_type	Either 'AUTOMATIC' for auto-called trains, or 'MANUAL' for manual-called trains
train_call_mode	Set to 'NORMAL' for a train called normally, or 'OVERNIGHT' if the train is called as part of an overnight batch process to activate peak period trains early
toc_id	Operating company ID as per TOC_Codes
train_service_code	Train service code as per schedule
train_file_address	The TOPS train file address, if applicable