Difference between revisions of "SCHEDULE"

From Open Rail Data Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (→‎Downloading: Added details of downloading via curl)
m (Clarify that new users may be better using JSON rather than CIF data)
(26 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
= Schedule data =
+
The SCHEDULE feed is an extract of train schedules from Network Rail's ITPS (Integrated Train Planning System), available in [[JSON File Format|JSON]] and [[CIF File Format|CIF]] format.
  
== Overview ==
+
'''Note:''' If you are just starting out with the service use the JSON files.  The CIF data is more suited to advanced users of the service and requires additional parsing compared to the JSON data.
  
The Schedule feed is an extract of train schedules from Network Rail's ITPS (Integrated Train Planning System), converted in to JSON format for easier parsing.  Network Rail are not planning to make raw CIF files available.
+
= Overview =
  
Schedule files are available for all passenger TOCs and for each TOC.  Two types of file are available - a 'full' file which contains a snapshot of all schedules, and an 'update' file which can be applied to a a local database to bring it up-to-date with any changes.
+
The schedule data consists of Train Schedules, Train Associations and details of Timing Point Location codes.
  
The [http://www.atoc.org/about-atoc/rail-settlement-plan/data-feeds/types-of-data CIF User Specification] is available from ATOC's website, which details the format of the CIF fileThis will be useful to developers wishing to gain deep understanding about the way train scheduling works, above and beyond the information contained here.
+
A description of the scheduling process is available on the [[HowSchedulingWorks | how scheduling works]] page.  This describes how multiple schedules can be used to describe a specific train service.
 +
 
 +
= Usage =
 +
 
 +
Trains are sets of schedules identified by a common ''UID''. A schedule for a specific train service can be uniquely identified by ''UID'', ''Start Date'' and ''STP Indicator''.
 +
 
 +
== Types of file ==
 +
 
 +
There are two types of files:
 +
* A full extract, a snapshot of schedule database valid on that day, which can be used to initialise your schedule database
 +
* An update extract is produced each night, which can be applied to the previous update extract to bring your database up-to-date
 +
 
 +
Update extracts will specify how the schedule database has changed. It is important that the update files are processed in sequential order. Amendments may be received for schedules that are currently valid, i.e. the schedule has started running but has not finished yet. Changes will replace any previous version of a train schedule. Deletions will not be raised for schedules that have become historic.
 +
 
 +
The following formats are available from SCHEDULE Feed:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Format
 +
! Type
 +
! Rate
 +
! Details
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|[[JSON File Format]]
 +
|Full Extract
 +
|Daily
 +
|rowspan="2"|The schedules in JSON format are available for all operators, or for individual operators.
 +
|-
 +
|Update Extract
 +
|Daily
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|[[CIF File Format]]
 +
|Full Extract
 +
|Weekly
 +
|rowspan="2"|The schedules in CIF format are only available for all operators.  A 'full' extract is available each Friday, and an 'update' extract is available daily.
 +
|-
 +
|Update Extract
 +
|Daily
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The JSON data files are generated overnight and will be available from around 0600The CIF files are go through a different process and will be available from around 0100.
 +
 
 +
'''Note:''' Late-notice train schedules, which are not available through the SCHEDULE feed, are published via the real-time [[VSTP]] feed.
  
 
== Downloading ==
 
== Downloading ==
  
The schedule data, compressed using gzip, is downloaded from Amazon S3 via a private URL which is valid for a few minutes after generation.
+
The schedule data is compressed using gzip and is downloaded from Amazon S3 via a private URL which is valid for a few minutes after generation. Authentication will be required either by logging in through the Data Feeds website, or by sending your username and password as part of the HTTP request.  On successful authentication, you will receive a HTTP 302 (Moved Temporarily) redirect to the location of the schedule file.  Requests are of the format:
  
To request schedule data, send an HTTP request with your username and password to:
+
  https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=type&day=day
  
  https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=bucket&day=file
+
where ''type'' determines the TOCs contained in the schedule extract and whether the file is a full schedule or an update file, and ''day'' determines which day's update file is downloaded.  For example:
  
For example:
+
  https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full
  
  https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full
+
would download a full schedule file in JSON format for all TOCs. And if the CIF format is what you are after, add a trailing .CIF.gz to get the CIF format.
  
'type' and 'day' values should be one of the following:
+
Values for ''type'' and ''day'' can be one of the following:
  
 
{| class='wikitable'
 
{| class='wikitable'
!Type
+
!''type''
!Day
+
!''day''
 
!Description
 
!Description
!Example URL
+
!Example URL (JSON format)
 +
!Example URL (CIF format)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY
 
|CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY
Line 33: Line 76:
 
|Daily all-TOC snapshot
 
|Daily all-TOC snapshot
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full Daily]
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full Daily]
 +
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full.CIF.gz Weekly]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY
 
|CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY
|toc-update-DAY
+
|toc-update-''DAY''
 
|Daily all-TOC update
 
|Daily all-TOC update
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-Tue Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun Sun],
+
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-tue Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun Sun]
 +
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon.CIF.gz Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-tue.CIF.gz Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed.CIF.gz Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu.CIF.gz Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri.CIF.gz Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat.CIF.gz Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun.CIF.gz Sun]
 
|-
 
|-
|CIF_XX_TOC_FULL_DAILY
+
|CIF_''XX''_TOC_FULL_DAILY
 
|toc-full
 
|toc-full
|Daily snapshot for TOC XX
+
|Daily snapshot for TOC ''XX''
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full Daily]
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full Daily]
 +
|Not available
 
|-
 
|-
|CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY
+
|CIF_''XX''_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY
|toc-update-DAY
+
|toc-update-''DAY''
|Daily update for TOC XX
+
|Daily update for TOC ''XX''
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-Tue Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun Sun]
 
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-Tue Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun Sun]
 +
|Not available
 +
|-
 +
|CIF_FREIGHT_FULL_DAILY
 +
|toc-full
 +
|Daily FREIGHT snapshot
 +
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full Daily]
 +
|Not available
 +
|-
 +
|CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY
 +
|toc-update-''DAY''
 +
|Daily update for FREIGHT
 +
|[https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-mon Mon], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-tue Tue], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-wed Wed], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-thu Thu], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-fri Fri], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sat Sat], [https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY&day=toc-update-sun Sun]
 +
|Not available
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''DAY''' should be replaced with the date of the previous day.  For example, on Monday, Sunday's ('sun') update should be requested.
+
''DAY'' should be replaced with the shortened version of the name of the previous day.  For example, on Monday, Sunday's ('sun') update should be requested.
  
 
A list of [[TOC Codes]] is available.  Note that the TOC code used in the URL is not the ATOC code as seen in schedule files, but the business code as used in Network Rail systems.
 
A list of [[TOC Codes]] is available.  Note that the TOC code used in the URL is not the ATOC code as seen in schedule files, but the business code as used in Network Rail systems.
 
Replace '''bucket''' with the name of the bucket, and '''file''' with the name of the file.  On successful authentication, you will receive a 403 redirect to the location of the schedule files.
 
  
 
=== Downloading via curl ===
 
=== Downloading via curl ===
  
The schedule file can be downloaded from the command line using the *curl* utility (included with linux, versions available for other operating systems) with the following syntax:
+
The schedule file can be downloaded from the command line using the ''curl'' utility (included with linux, versions available for other operating systems) with the following syntax:
 
 
<code>
 
curl -L -u username:password -o file.gz 'https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full'
 
</code>
 
 
 
== Data ==
 
 
 
The schedule data contains a header row, a set of zero or more association records, a set of zero or more schedule records, and an end-of-file (EOF) record.
 
 
 
Each association and schedule record has an action - either 'create' or 'delete'.  In full files, there will be no 'delete' records.
 
  
Update files must be applied sequentially to a full file.
+
  curl -L -u username:password -o file.gz 'https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full'
  
== Interpretation ==
+
(Thanks to [[User:Jules Self|Jules Self]] for figuring this syntax out.)
  
=== Validity ===
+
== Validity ==
  
 
Associations and schedule validities are between a start date and an end date, and on particular days of the week.  They each have a Short Term Planning (STP) indicator field as follows:
 
Associations and schedule validities are between a start date and an end date, and on particular days of the week.  They each have a Short Term Planning (STP) indicator field as follows:
  
 
* '''C''' - Planned cancellation: the schedule does not apply on this date, and the train will not run.  Typically seen on public holidays when an alternate schedule applies, or on Christmas Day.
 
* '''C''' - Planned cancellation: the schedule does not apply on this date, and the train will not run.  Typically seen on public holidays when an alternate schedule applies, or on Christmas Day.
* '''N''' - STP schedule: similar to a permanent schedule, but planned through the Short Term Planning process
+
* '''N''' - STP schedule: similar to a permanent schedule, but planned through the Short Term Planning process and not capable of being overlaid
 
* '''O''' - Overlay schedule: an alteration to a permanent schedule
 
* '''O''' - Overlay schedule: an alteration to a permanent schedule
 
* '''P''' - Permanent schedule: a schedule planned through the Long Term Planning process
 
* '''P''' - Permanent schedule: a schedule planned through the Long Term Planning process
  
For any date a permanent schedule ('P') is valid, it may be overridden by an overlay ('O') or a planned cancellation ('C'). However, if any two schedules appear to be valid for a particular day, the schedule with the lowest alphabetical STP indicator wins.
+
Permanent ('P') schedules can be overlaid by another schedule with the same UID - either a Variation ('O') or Cancellation Variation ('C'). For any particular day, of all the schedules for that UID valid on that day, the 'C' or 'O' schedule is the one which applies. Conveniently, it also means that the lowest alphabetical STP indicator wins - 'C' and 'O' are both lower in the alphabet than 'P'.
 
 
=== Schedules ===
 
 
 
A schedule comprises a header containing a schedule UID, data about the schedule (including whether it is a train, bus or ship) and validity dates, and an ordered list of locations and times at which a particular service should arrive, depart or pass.
 
 
 
* Originating locations will always have a WTT departure time and optionally a public departure time
 
* Intermediate locations in a schedule will have a passing time if they are a mandatory timing point, or an arrival and departure time if the train carries out an activity at that location
 
* Terminating locations will always have a WTT arrival time and optionally a public arrival time, which may be some minutes later than the WTT time
 
* A location may have one or more activities associated with it - for example, '''U''' for locations where the train calls to pick up passengers (i.e. not available for alighting), '''D''' for locations where the train calls to set down passengers (i.e. not available for boarding).
 
* A location may have engineering, pathing or performance allowances
 
 
 
=== Associations ===
 
  
Associations are relationships between two schedules - a main train and an associated train.
+
This process allows a different schedule to be valid on particular days, or the service to not be valid on that day.  For example, a schedule may be valid Monday - Friday each day of the year, but have a Cancellation Variation on Christmas Day and Boxing Day only.
  
There are three types of association:
+
Cancellation variations are usually within the validity period of the base (permanent) schedule, however it is possible to have a cancellation variation which has a 'valid from' date which is within one version of a schedule and a 'valid to' date within another version of a schedule.  In this case, the variation applies to both.  An example of this is schedule C33552 at the start of 2015, where a cancellation variation applied to two separate permanent schedules.
  
* '''NP''' - Next Train.  Not present for all schedules, but indicates the UID of the next service that the vehicle on this service will work
+
{{Navtable-DataFeeds}}
* '''JJ''' - Join.  Occurs at the end of the associated train's schedule.
 
* '''VV''' - Split.  Occurs at an intermediate location of the main train's schedule and indicates another train services that part of this train will form.
 
  
Associations may be for the same day ('''S'''), or cross midnight either backward ('''P''') or forward ('''N''') depending on the date indicator field.
+
[[Category:Schedule Data]]

Revision as of 14:27, 12 December 2018

The SCHEDULE feed is an extract of train schedules from Network Rail's ITPS (Integrated Train Planning System), available in JSON and CIF format.

Note: If you are just starting out with the service use the JSON files. The CIF data is more suited to advanced users of the service and requires additional parsing compared to the JSON data.

Overview

The schedule data consists of Train Schedules, Train Associations and details of Timing Point Location codes.

A description of the scheduling process is available on the how scheduling works page. This describes how multiple schedules can be used to describe a specific train service.

Usage

Trains are sets of schedules identified by a common UID. A schedule for a specific train service can be uniquely identified by UID, Start Date and STP Indicator.

Types of file

There are two types of files:

  • A full extract, a snapshot of schedule database valid on that day, which can be used to initialise your schedule database
  • An update extract is produced each night, which can be applied to the previous update extract to bring your database up-to-date

Update extracts will specify how the schedule database has changed. It is important that the update files are processed in sequential order. Amendments may be received for schedules that are currently valid, i.e. the schedule has started running but has not finished yet. Changes will replace any previous version of a train schedule. Deletions will not be raised for schedules that have become historic.

The following formats are available from SCHEDULE Feed:

Format Type Rate Details
JSON File Format Full Extract Daily The schedules in JSON format are available for all operators, or for individual operators.
Update Extract Daily
CIF File Format Full Extract Weekly The schedules in CIF format are only available for all operators. A 'full' extract is available each Friday, and an 'update' extract is available daily.
Update Extract Daily

The JSON data files are generated overnight and will be available from around 0600. The CIF files are go through a different process and will be available from around 0100.

Note: Late-notice train schedules, which are not available through the SCHEDULE feed, are published via the real-time VSTP feed.

Downloading

The schedule data is compressed using gzip and is downloaded from Amazon S3 via a private URL which is valid for a few minutes after generation. Authentication will be required either by logging in through the Data Feeds website, or by sending your username and password as part of the HTTP request. On successful authentication, you will receive a HTTP 302 (Moved Temporarily) redirect to the location of the schedule file. Requests are of the format:

 https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=type&day=day

where type determines the TOCs contained in the schedule extract and whether the file is a full schedule or an update file, and day determines which day's update file is downloaded. For example:

 https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full

would download a full schedule file in JSON format for all TOCs. And if the CIF format is what you are after, add a trailing .CIF.gz to get the CIF format.

Values for type and day can be one of the following:

type day Description Example URL (JSON format) Example URL (CIF format)
CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY toc-full Daily all-TOC snapshot Daily Weekly
CIF_ALL_UPDATE_DAILY toc-update-DAY Daily all-TOC update Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
CIF_XX_TOC_FULL_DAILY toc-full Daily snapshot for TOC XX Daily Not available
CIF_XX_TOC_UPDATE_DAILY toc-update-DAY Daily update for TOC XX Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Not available
CIF_FREIGHT_FULL_DAILY toc-full Daily FREIGHT snapshot Daily Not available
CIF_FREIGHT_UPDATE_DAILY toc-update-DAY Daily update for FREIGHT Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Not available

DAY should be replaced with the shortened version of the name of the previous day. For example, on Monday, Sunday's ('sun') update should be requested.

A list of TOC Codes is available. Note that the TOC code used in the URL is not the ATOC code as seen in schedule files, but the business code as used in Network Rail systems.

Downloading via curl

The schedule file can be downloaded from the command line using the curl utility (included with linux, versions available for other operating systems) with the following syntax:

 curl -L -u username:password -o file.gz 'https://datafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/CifFileAuthenticate?type=CIF_ALL_FULL_DAILY&day=toc-full'

(Thanks to Jules Self for figuring this syntax out.)

Validity

Associations and schedule validities are between a start date and an end date, and on particular days of the week. They each have a Short Term Planning (STP) indicator field as follows:

  • C - Planned cancellation: the schedule does not apply on this date, and the train will not run. Typically seen on public holidays when an alternate schedule applies, or on Christmas Day.
  • N - STP schedule: similar to a permanent schedule, but planned through the Short Term Planning process and not capable of being overlaid
  • O - Overlay schedule: an alteration to a permanent schedule
  • P - Permanent schedule: a schedule planned through the Long Term Planning process

Permanent ('P') schedules can be overlaid by another schedule with the same UID - either a Variation ('O') or Cancellation Variation ('C'). For any particular day, of all the schedules for that UID valid on that day, the 'C' or 'O' schedule is the one which applies. Conveniently, it also means that the lowest alphabetical STP indicator wins - 'C' and 'O' are both lower in the alphabet than 'P'.

This process allows a different schedule to be valid on particular days, or the service to not be valid on that day. For example, a schedule may be valid Monday - Friday each day of the year, but have a Cancellation Variation on Christmas Day and Boxing Day only.

Cancellation variations are usually within the validity period of the base (permanent) schedule, however it is possible to have a cancellation variation which has a 'valid from' date which is within one version of a schedule and a 'valid to' date within another version of a schedule. In this case, the variation applies to both. An example of this is schedule C33552 at the start of 2015, where a cancellation variation applied to two separate permanent schedules.


Network Rail Open Data Feeds
Data Feeds About the Feeds Account States Durable Subscriptions Example Code ( PHP / C# / Java / Ruby / Node.js) • Advanced UsesFAQ Release Notes
RTPPM RTPPM Feed
Train Movements Train Movements Feed Train Activation Train Cancellation Train Movement Train Reinstatement Change of Origin Change of Identity Change of Location TSPEED Field Planned Cancellations Cancellation Codes
TD TD Feed C-Class Messages S-Class Messages Train Describers TD Berths
VSTP VSTP Feed
TSR TSR Feed Route Codes
SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Feed Schedule and Location Records Association Records CIF Codes How Scheduling Works Allowances
Reference Data Reference Data Feed TOC Codes CIF Codes Delay Attribution Codes Identifying Locations (STANOX, TIPLOC, NLC and 3-Alpha Codes) STANOX Geographical Areas Train Planning data