How are train schedules made?

Diagrams, a path a train takes at a particular time, are all calculated using time tabling software, incorporating frequency, rules/regulations, safety etc.

Diagrams, a path a train takes at a particular time, are all calculated using time tabling software, incorporating frequency, rules/regulations, safety etc.

These trains have been running for many years over time the scheduled times become very accurate as they are modified for changing conditions. Any schedule gets disrupted when there is an unusual incident like a power failure,accident or harsh weather. Train service is usually still running when bus and plane have come to a stop due to bad weather. Overtime information has been computerized to make the initial schedule which is often modified by humans to deal with the real world and irregular operations. . If you find old schedules 10 or 20 years old you will see different times as the equipment changed rider ship at different stations change and the actual tracks changed in various ways. It may only be a minute or two but these times just came from repetition of experience and adjusting to new conditions. Train dispatchers at large systems are just like air traffic controllers in how they work and manage the comings and goings in their area.

Re: LIRR Dispatching by Dump The Air » Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:52 am (4 years ago) For the most part the LIRR does it the old fashioned way, a central dispatcher in 204 in Jamaica and towers throughout the system controlling territories. I think they may have the most active towers of any railroad in the east. Scheduling is about the number of passengers and the rush hours. But making the trains come on time is the hard part.

They time their trains. Then extrapolate the data for each station usually with a margin of error so the trains don't run late.

They are made from Chinese newspaper and cigarette butts.

Re: LIRR Dispatching by Dump The Air » Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:52 am (4 years ago) For the most part the LIRR does it the old fashioned way, a central dispatcher in 204 in Jamaica and towers throughout the system controlling territories. I think they may have the most active towers of any railroad in the east. Scheduling is about the number of passengers and the rush hours. But making the trains come on time is the hard part.

They time their trains. Then extrapolate the data for each station usually with a margin of error so the trains don't run late.

They are made from Chinese newspaper and cigarette butts.