Network and Timetables

The Network and Timetable part of EPIP (EPIP-NT) specifies the data element needed to describe a passenger timetable. The description is broken down into separate modules:

A description of the network topology (lines, routes etc).

A description of the possible patterns of use (stop points, journey patterns, service patterns etc).

A description of the actual journeys and their times.

A description of the day types and calendar controlling what types of journey are run on each day.

Basic network topology

The topology describes the permanent lines and routes of the transport Network.

Transmodel defines a LINE as a grouping of ROUTEs that is generally known to the public by a similar name or number. These ROUTEs are usually very similar to each other from a topological point of view, being variants of a core route with some deviations on certain parts only. Two ROUTEs using the same infrastructure path (or parallel tracks), but with opposite DIRECTIONs, will generally belong to the same LINE.

A LINE is associated with a main TRANSPORT MODE and SUBMODE but may also have secondary modes (for example a train line, which is operated by bus at certain times of the day or under certain circumstances).

A LINE is also associated with a primary OPERATOR or AUTHORITY (multiple secondary operators are also allowed).

LINEs may be grouped into GROUPs OF LINEs for particular purposes, such as fare harmonisation, day type assignment, or to group some kind of service categories (night buses, etc.).