Looking for UK train delay dataset for research use

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Mas Gol

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Oct 23, 2025, 8:37:21 AM (12 days ago) Oct 23
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Hello everyone,

I am a PhD student currently researching train delay propagation and the interconnection of delays across the UK railway network. I’m looking for a dataset that records actual train delays and possibly how these delays affect other services (reactionary delays or network-level delay impacts).

Could anyone please guide me on where I might access such datasets, or suggest the best way to request them from Network Rail, RDG, or other sources?

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Mas Gol
PhD Researcher – University of East Anglia

Peter Hicks

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Oct 23, 2025, 8:41:24 AM (12 days ago) Oct 23
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Hi Mas

On Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 13:37, Mas Gol <m.gol...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am a PhD student currently researching train delay propagation and the interconnection of delays across the UK railway network. I’m looking for a dataset that records actual train delays and possibly how these delays affect other services (reactionary delays or network-level delay impacts).

Could anyone please guide me on where I might access such datasets, or suggest the best way to request them from Network Rail, RDG, or other sources?

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Network Rail have made historical delay attribution data available at https://raildata.org.uk/dashboard/dataProduct/P-b5f4216b-4de5-412f-9c9a-d14c604a6b9e/overview - that's probably a good start for you.


Peter


Mas Gol

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Oct 23, 2025, 9:31:56 AM (12 days ago) Oct 23
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Hi Peter,

Thank you very much for your helpful reply and for sharing the link. I’ve checked the dataset page and noticed that registration is required to access the data. I’ve completed the access request form and am now waiting for their confirmation.

Many thanks again for your kind help and guidance.

Best regards,


Mas Gol
PhD Researcher – University of East Anglia

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Marsh Lane

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Oct 23, 2025, 11:47:07 AM (12 days ago) Oct 23
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Mas,

Ignore my previous message - the Delay Attribution Board 'Principles and Rules' document is available on line.  It might be interesting to you, as it lays out the rules and guidelines of how delays are attributed and the rules surrounding delay and allocation of the reasons.

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/industry-and-commercial/information-for-operators/network-code/delay-attribution-board/

It is the Septembar DAPR PDF you need.  Section B provides the background, Section C the overview, Section E-R covers how incidents caused by the different types of problems are allocated, and the rear Index pages will help in deciphering the codes for the various delays.  It may be too detailed for what you need, but it is in many ways the industry bible for delay attribution!

An example of delay and reactionary delay can be found on page D6 of DAPR documentation, which details how an incident on one train can cause the knock-on delay to others and how delay minutes are allocated.

Richie

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Mas Gol

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Oct 25, 2025, 10:26:56 AM (10 days ago) Oct 25
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Hi Richie,

Thanks a lot for sharing this, that’s really helpful. I’ll go through the DAPR document, especially the sections you mentioned. It looks like an excellent reference for understanding how delays and reactionary delays are attributed.

However, to access the delay data, I need to have an account. I’ve already submitted my request for access, but I haven’t received a response from them yet.

Best,
Mas


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