Question 1

Where does the LopoRail data come from?

Accepted Answer

Every figure names its source. Live boards read the operator's own feed; where a feed is not available the value is labelled an indicative sample, and never presented as live. See performance for how readings are compiled.

Question 2

How often do live boards update?

Accepted Answer

As fast as the operator publishes. Each board carries the timestamp of its last update. A board that cannot say when it was refreshed does not ship.

Question 3

What counts as "on time"?

Accepted Answer

A departure within 60 seconds of its planned time, measured per departure. Early trains count as on time. The metric is stated on every board that uses it.

Question 4

Why does a platform sometimes show blank?

Accepted Answer

A blank is deliberate: the operator has not yet allocated a platform. We would rather show nothing than guess.

Question 5

Do I need an account to use LopoRail?

Accepted Answer

No. Timetables, live running, performance and editorial are open to everyone. An account is only needed for Train Miles, saved journeys and alerts.

Question 6

How do I control or delete my data?

Accepted Answer

Consent is granular and reversible. Preference and account deletion is available from your account, and we do not sell personal data.

Question 7

How do Train Miles work?

Accepted Answer

Log a trip and its distance is added to your running total, across every operator. Train Miles is a personal record, not a currency or loyalty scheme.

Question 8

Can I log a trip I took before joining?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add a past journey with its date and the log files it where it belongs. Back-filling a whole lifetime of travel is allowed.

Question 9

Can I use LopoRail data commercially?

Accepted Answer

Photography is Creative Commons and credited in place. Operational data is shown for information and attribution; reuse is governed by each operator's terms. Licensed access is arranged through the commercial desk.

Question 10

How is advertising and partner content labelled?

Accepted Answer

Every commercial unit carries an Advertisement, Sponsored or Partner content label as part of the design. Timetables, fares and live running are never influenced by a partner.

Question 11

Is LopoRail accessible?

Accepted Answer

The interface works with the keyboard, a screen reader and reduced-motion settings, and colour pairs are contrast-checked. Spotted a barrier? Use the accessibility route.

Question 12

How do you handle corrections and accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Every reading names its source, so a correction can be traced to a single feed. Send the page and the timestamp through the contact desk and we will fix the source.

Question 13

Why do some operators show more detail than others?

Accepted Answer

Coverage follows what each operator publishes. Where a feed exposes platform, formation or live positioning we show it; where it does not, the board shows only what is certain.

Question 14

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Yes — native iOS and Android apps roll out alongside the website and share the same account and Train Miles log.

Question 15

How do I report a problem or suggest a feature?

Accepted Answer

Use the contact desk for data faults and account issues, or the roadmap to suggest and vote on features. Name the page and the reading for the quickest investigation.

Question 16

What is free, and what is Premium?

Accepted Answer

Browsing, timetables, live running, performance and editorial are free, with no account. A free account adds your Train Miles and My Spotting. Premium (Supporter) unlocks the deeper tools — full history, advanced statistics and submission features — and keeps them free of advertising.

Question 17

Is my data safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any linked account tokens (such as a sim platform link) are encrypted at rest and never leave the server. Your data is yours: you can review, export or delete it from your account at any time, and we do not sell personal data.

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