people forget that ATOC exists to protect and further the interests of their members: the privately owned Train Operating Companies -- they don't owe random developers anything.<p>Network Rail on the other had are (basically) state owned, and their extremely comprehensive feeds are now completely open: <a href="http://www.networkrail.co.uk/data-feeds/" rel="nofollow">http://www.networkrail.co.uk/data-feeds/</a><p>these feeds even include the raw signalling data (you even get events when trains activate level crossings) -- there's nothing stopping you building your own NRE API.<p>I've been slowly building up a database of signal locations/berths to lat/longs by matching up my physical position (while riding on the train) to the NR feed events, with the idea of being able to produce a much better map of where the trains are in realtime.
I guess I'm not revolutionary enough, but I can't see the problem with this. It makes sense for a private company to protect their reputation, and it makes sense not to provide data to people who run them down in public. They have an agreement to that effect that is <i>provided in advance</i>, and you can opt out be deciding not to participate.<p>I know I'm supposed to feel rage whenever there are conditions placed on the use of data, but I just can't muster it up in this case. Sorry.
I remember a while ago I wanted to get the location of things like bus-stops. (after the whole "showusabetterway" waste-of-time site the UK gov created. )<p>Found the information on a site some and found that I could ONLY use it if I was under contract from a UK local council.<p>Most of the info sources listed on that site were bound up in huge amounts of red tape / brick walls<p>Frankly I am not surprised that the trains are in the same situation.
Annoyingly this wasn't always the case. Since privatization this has been the case. Prior to that you could get a TOPS terminal/feed for a nominal fee and do what you want with it.<p>Now, it's covering arses and nothing more.
This happens with Bus data as well in the UK. Although possibly for different reasons.<p>I work with live bus time data and before getting access I had to sign an NDA because bus companies are fined by the council for poor performance. With access to that data I can see the percentage of buses that are late and could compromise the business of the companies.
<i>NRE have a stranglehold on the only comprehensive source of real-time passenger train data in the UK. They developed it to power their own website but have recognised in it a way to exert power over anyone who wants to use real time train data and to stifle criticism.</i><p>What is referred to by "their website"? Why not just scrape the data?
I'm torn.<p>While I certainly don't like a 'gagging clause', I can only look with envy at the data you UK guys can get your hand at.<p>So, maybe it's not perfect, maybe not good enough, but being able to get at that much data in the first place _is_ already quite remarkable imo. I'd love to see a German equivalent, gagging clause or not.