The system doesn't store preassigned routes, thats not the way to do business since you would have to recalc several million options given the number of stations and choices its not feasible, its a recursive problem known as the traveling salesman which is only practically solvable if you have conditions. its real easy if there is a direct train
It has a list of all trains running and combines the timetables together to get a result by connecting trains together based on assessing all possibilties at all stops with an aim to get as close to destination and then drop loops and rank by fastest and fewest connections. Tralee to Rosslare is one that really tests the system
I've been impressed by the systems abilty to get a routes from A to B its given me routes I wouldn't think of it has a problem with trains passing through midnight, that said Cork Belfast at 19:30 overnight in Dublin and onwards by the 7:35 ex Dublin is a legitimate journey
The software used is irrelevant its how its programmed (cgi is dead, asp is well $oft php or a java based is where most are going), Ryanair don't do connections try Lufthansa who allow you to book through journeys. There is money involved and contracts not signed but a new journey planner system is being sought out
Last edited by Mark Gleeson : 27-09-2006 at 20:26.
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