Monthly imputation of delays

The historical method used to calculate the statistics presented in this dataset takes into account all the minutes of delay caused by 'major incidents' (internally know as 'relazen') on the rail network as reported to the Railway Accident and Incident Investigation Body (OEAIF/OOIS) and the Railway Safety and Interoperability Service (NSA Rail Belgium) under the Royal Decree of 16 January 2007 laying down certain rules relating to investigations into railway accidents and incidents.

The criteria defining 'major incidents' (internally known as 'relations'**) are as follows:

• 1 passenger train delayed by an incident for 20 minutes or more
• Several passenger trains delayed by an incident for at least 40 minutes
• Incidents leading to the cancellation (partial or total) of trains
• Incidents with an impact on operational safety

There is no unequivocal relationship between the minutes of delay in 'major incidents' and the punctuality rate because:

• The minutes included in 'major incidents' do not necessarily have an actual impact on punctuality (a train can make up its delay as it goes along).
• Some trains arrive at their terminus more than 6 minutes late (and therefore have an actual impact on punctuality), but are not included in the 'major incidents'.

In order to provide an exhaustive overview of the causes and responsibilities for delays, a new dataset has been made available: Monthly causes of loss of punctuality.

The data presented in this new dataset is as follows: for each train delayed by 6 minutes or more on arrival at a tracking point*, an analysis is made of the cause of all the minutes of delay along the route, and a proportional score is awarded for each responsibility identified.

More info in the new dataset's description