Association of Train Operating Companies – HOW TO PRESENT TIMETABLE INFORMATION 2005

Description

This ATOC guide sets standards for presenting UK rail timetable information across print and electronic media. It defines two timetable types—comprehensive (showing all trains between specified points) and summary—with required front-page wording and branding rules. Layout standards mirror the National Rail Timetable (table bank left, vertical timing columns), use 24-hour clock, standard symbols and ATOC two-letter operator codes, and must include National Rail Enquiries contact. Leaflet rack sizes, production responsibilities, cost-sharing, and thresholds for producing comprehensive derivatives (e.g., >30,000 annual journeys) are specified. The guide prescribes formats and content for A–Z departure sheets, Line-of-Route posters, chronological sheets, and train service cards; rules on when trains may be omitted; and inclusion of route diagrams and plain-English text. Customer Information Systems (CIS) standards cover next-train, departure/arrival/combined screens, operator identification, scrolling behavior, and limits on promotional messages. It also sets rules for engineering/special-event circulars, destination labels, standard symbols, operator codes, templates, and station name abbreviations.