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As an interesting, although unrelated aside: platform data is available in the UK's National Rail's feeds, but the terms and conditions[1] explicitly prohibit d

by lukegb 9y ago

As an interesting, although unrelated aside: platform data is available in the UK's National Rail's feeds, but the terms and conditions[1] explicitly prohibit displaying platform numbers early, as mentioned in their developer guidelines[2]. I guess the wording doesn't technically ban you from displaying historical platform information, but that would likely be a bad-faith use of the data anyway... [1] http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/Terms_and_Conditions.pdf http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/Terms_and_Con... [2] http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/Developer_Guidelines.pdf http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/Developer_Gui... "Occasionally Time-Bound Data will become available through NRE feeds before it is ready to be published to the public. [...] One such example of Time-Bound Data is platform numbers. Early display of platform numbers, particularly at origin and destination stations, can lead to platform overcrowding and/or staff not having sufficient time to prepare the train for oncoming passengers. In some instances, platform numbers will be available in Darwin before being displayed on screens in stations."

manarth 9y ago
Once upon a time, the platform used to be displayed in the National Rail app, even when it wasn't shown on the departure boards…For a long time I used that to good effect to get a seat on rush-hour trains at Paddington. That changed a few years ago, interesting to see the formal policy behind it, and an idea for a side-project :-)
davidjbain 9y ago
UK rail data is quite open in comparison to this story, for instance check out these live track diagrams (of London Waterloo & many other areas) which show real-time movements of trains. This is how I often find out the platform numbers prior to travel and I also get information before staff during disruption. http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/wat#T_WAT http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/wat#T_WAT
- takno 9y ago
  There are maps of many more routes at traksy https://traksy.uk/live/M+2+CARLILE https://traksy.uk/live/M+2+CARLILE
  - davidjbain 9y ago
    Great to see another good implementation of rail maps, I do however prefer the opentraintimes layout as its easier to scroll through while reflecting the look of operational systems.

by lukegb 9y ago

manarth 9y ago

Once upon a time, the platform used to be displayed in the National Rail app, even when it wasn't shown on the departure boards…For a long time I used that to good effect to get a seat on rush-hour trains at Paddington. That changed a few years ago, interesting to see the formal policy behind it, and an idea for a side-project :-)

davidjbain 9y ago

UK rail data is quite open in comparison to this story, for instance check out these live track diagrams (of London Waterloo & many other areas) which show real-time movements of trains. This is how I often find out the platform numbers prior to travel and I also get information before staff during disruption. http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/wat#T_WAT http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/wat#T_WAT

takno 9y ago
There are maps of many more routes at traksy https://traksy.uk/live/M+2+CARLILE https://traksy.uk/live/M+2+CARLILE
- davidjbain 9y ago
  Great to see another good implementation of rail maps, I do however prefer the opentraintimes layout as its easier to scroll through while reflecting the look of operational systems.