Railway Information

[Raichase]

I'll refer you all to a topic we've been arguing about over at Railpage Australia:

Specifically, the posting of Special Train Notices (STN's) in the public domain.

Now, as a summary, there is a publically accessibly library, where people can access such information, however it is not advertised. It is forbidden to link to the website on other public websites, and is really designed for information only. I've contacted the administrator of the website, and explained that I use it responsibly, and that other people do too. He replied saying it's in the public domain for specific reasons (covered towards page 7 of that thread), and that as long as the public doesn't abuse it, Railcorp have no problems with people accessing it.

Railcorp is one of the most gunzel-friendly organizations in the world, from what I hear. I've had all of two bad experiences on their stations, as opposed to countless times when nobody has given me a second glance, except perhaps for a friendly nod and a "G'day", and plenty of times, they have actually gone out of their way to offer me help and advice.

So really, as long as railfans continue to be courteuous and respect the rules (ie, stay on the correct side of the fence, stand behind the line, not obstruct movement of passengers, always have valid ticket...), hopefully we can continue to enjoy the privelage. I know a lot of my photos, and especially the information (such as the run numbers and the operators) would not have been possible without the information on that web site.

I know that these photos of an ARG Train wouldn't have been possible.

Any thoughts or comments? Specifically, what sort of information/access is granted to Railfans around the world?

[tubechallenger]

In the UK the situation is a bit similar with people posting info off TRUST - the centralised computer system with all paths in. Most railway companies don't seem to have an issue with it, although they can't normally find out who is doing what as it's not logged .

However, on LUL, the FoIA (Freedom of Information Act) can be used in order to obtain working timetables and other info about workings on the railway ... so there isn't really too much of an issue here in the UK about it I don't think!