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	DIVA graphic schedule

The DIVA graphic schedule system is used to plan and lay out timetables and blocks. Planning takes place using automated functions or by manually entering local and operational information using a convenient user interface. The comprehensive information display is provided in graphic, table and Gantt chart views that are displayed simultaneously in multiple display windows. Time/route diagrams can be displayed for selected areas of the network for any route pattern, including branching route patterns. Each person using the system individually selects the best view of the data for their needs and requirements, which provides the optimum planning results.

The graphic schedule includes the following functions:

• Timetable and vehicle scheduling
• Transfer analysis
• Transfer spider
• Statistical analyses
• Generating printouts
• Graphic schedules with exact representation from stopping points
• Train planning
• Driver change
• Checking whether blocks are fit for service

Automated functions such as linking trips to blocks, automatically adding depot visits and interim visits rationalise everyday planning operations. Even so, all of the relevant editing modes for trips and blocks can also be used manually in order to enter local and operational changes or peculiarities quickly and flexibly. This includes functions such as insertion, modification and deletion, either individually or in sequence. Related templates can also be edited, e.g. moved or copied. The copying of trip and block data extracts from other projects makes everyday work easier. Synchronous day type editing makes it possible to edit trips for multiple day types, i.e. simultaneously in several day types. Different routes can also be edited simultaneously in one editing operation, which provides an important function when editing line time changes.

Errors and conflicts that have been made during planning are pointed out by means of continuous checking. Conflicts that occur due to schedule changes, incompatible vehicle types, turnaround layover type infringements, over-serviced route sections, turnaround loops and sidings are detected.

The quality of transfers at individual transfer stops is monitored by means of the transfer analysis. Passengers should be provided with the best possible transfer options at these stops. A general distinction is made between three quality levels during the evaluation: best transfer, close transfer, transfer not guaranteed. Quality is indicated using coloured arrows in the graphic schedule. The transfers and all associated detailed information can also be listed in table form. A general overview of all vehicles arriving at and departing from a stop are shown in the stop flow schedule.

The transfer spider displays transfer relationships between selected routes at several stops. A route pattern serves as the basis for the transfer spider display.  This makes it possible to display any areas of the network.
All changes to the timetable data are updated immediately in the transfer spider. This makes it possible to work in parallel, i.e. transfers on routes that have been newly inserted or moved can be checked immediately.

At any planning stage, statistical analyses make it possible to conclusively evaluate the planning with regard to important parameters. Vehicle requirements, block times, transportation times and schedule efficiency are continuously determined and displayed. A carriage stock curve shows the vehicle requirements over the entire day of operation. Comprehensive detailed information on the current state of planning is displayed in different tabular views.

Another important constituent of the DIVA graphic schedule are comprehensive printouts. The following printouts are available:

• Gantt chart
• Graphic timetable
• Control timetable
• Arrival/departure list
• Route printout
• Statistics
• Various tabular printouts

Plan printouts and Gantt charts are generated in Postscript and can be displayed and stored in PDF format with the integrated preview. The printout types range from small-scale printouts for driver documents (A4) to large-scale printouts for transport service providers (A0). All tables can be directly exported to Microsoft Excel.

The ?graphic schedules with exact representation of stopping points? part of the program provides a facility for displaying timetables and vehicle schedules in greater detail at stop level at the relevant stops. The combination of ?stop ? stop area ? platform? is considered to be a stopping point, which is also described as ?exact representation?. Basically this is a further development of the classical railway station regulations, which have been fully integrated into the classical graphic schedule with exact stop representation. This opens up a wide range of usage options to the user. All detailed information is displayed, particularly for large stops at which many busses, trains etc. converge. Any number of stops can be expanded to show the platforms that are being driven to by simply pushing a button.

Dividing the stop up into individual stopping points simplifies the trips/routes that converge there in the display. Platform change trips are displayed in an unmistakeable way. The trip planner immediately detects time overlaps at individual platforms or shunting trips that are missing.

The DIVA graphic schedule is adapted to specific railway requirements using the ?Train Planning? program. A distinction is made between operational and published times using an extended trip time model. Passage times, supplements, route section times and stop buffer times are supported for this purpose.

Vehicle scheduling can also be track-related, i.e. the blocks are individually planned for each vehicle type. Stabling and parking in readiness, strengths, weaknesses and bifurcation are taken into consideration. The position of the vehicles in the train formation and in stations is determined for the entire service day using a special procedure. Track occupancy can be shown in a separate window for individual stops.

Driver changes for the duty schedule can be planned in the DIVA graphic schedule during vehicle scheduling. This is not necessarily a relief point, since a driver change can also take place on an open section of the route. Possible driver changing points are automatically determined by the program.

The fitness for service of existing blocks can be checked during vehicle scheduling. A detailed report explains the target and actual values for the individual duty creation parameters. Fitness for service is automatically recalculated if trip data or block data is changed. Personnel deployment costs can often be reduced by taking the duty schedule characteristics into consideration.

Examples or possible marginal conditions are:

• Minimum/maximum duty time (duty part) by means of appropriate block interlinking.
• Take break rules into consideration when planning turnaround times.
• Minimise trip times by changing as close to the depot as possible on routes without assigned relief points.