Visualisation of Train Punctuality – Illustrations and Cases

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show relevant dimensions for presenting railway punctuality data. We discuss alternatives for visualisation and analysis, and show principles and practical examples. The study has benefitted from access to a complete database of Norwegian punctuality data including all data that have been automatically stored since the system was introduced in 2005. The applied data include information about train number, scheduled departure and arrival to each of the stations, as well as actual departure and arrival times. In addition, we have had access to infrastructure data from the Norwegian railway authority. Based on the available data, we developed a set of visualisations and analysis options. The tools were first implemented as a prototype, and then transferred to the Norwegian Railway Authority. This paper describes the principles applied in the tools, as gives a wide range of illustrations of actual implementation of the analyses. Three key dimensions in punctuality analysis are related to the line, time and selected trains. We use several tools that combine the time and line perspectives, including heat maps and correlations analysis between punctuality on different locations or points in time. Both experience-based knowledge and literature indicate a need for a practical method designed for use by practitioners in the railway sector. The main outcome of this research is the creation of an analysis tool case to meet these needs. The visualisations support informed and efficient identification of punctuality improvement measures.