The National Archives
Search our website
  • Search our website
  • Search our records
   
 
Image of software box and CD PRONOM
Welcome (PRONOM  home page) About PRONOM Add an entry
Search Help - opens in a new window Information resources - opens in a new window
 
 
 

*Details: File format summary

   
 

 

Search by keyword Search by file format Search by PUID Search by software Search by vendor Search by lifecycles Search by Migration Pathway

Details for:

Save as... XML | CSV Printer friendly version
 
 

Summary

Name Common Interface File
Version  
Other names  
Identifiers PUID:  fmt/1871
Family  
Classification Dataset
Disclosure  
Description The Common Interface File (CIF) format is used to transfer train schedules from Network Rail's Integrated Train Planning System to computer systems requiring train data in electronic format. The files contains a set of train schedules and amendments. These files are automatically generated and disseminated every day after a ITPS publication run is completed. CIF files are text files containing one train schedule/amendment per row, of a fixed length of 80 bytes. The first two characters of a row/schedule identify the record type, ie if it is a new record, amendment or deletion etc. This signature is quite broad, due to the fact that it is possible to receive an empty file with no amendments, consisting of a header (HD) and a trailer (ZZ) only. Lastly, it should be noted that The Rail Delivery Group uses an .mca file extension for their .cif files, however they are identical in every other respect.
Orientation  
Byte order  
Related file formats None.
Technical Environment  
Released  
Supported until  
Format Risk  
Developed by Assist / Assist
Supported by Assist / Assist
Source Transport for London / Transport for London
Source date 08 Jun 2023
Source description  
Last updated 08 Jun 2023
Note https://wiki.openraildata.com/index.php?title=CIF_File_Format Specification: https://www.rspaccreditation.org/downloadPublic.php?DOCUMENT=RSPS5046+P-04-00+Timetable+Information+Data+Feed+Interface+Specification.pdf&ID=1144
Top of page Top of page
 
         
The National Archives Newsletter Icon

Send me The National Archives’ newsletter

A monthly round-up of news, blogs, offers and events.