Making sense of mobility
What is the GB Rail Rolling Stock API?
The GB Rail Rolling Stock API gives you structured, machine-readable data about every passenger train fleet on Great Britain’s rail network. From operator allocation to technical specifications and accessibility features, this API is designed to make rolling stock information usable in journey planning, operational tools, and compliance dashboards.
Unlike static spreadsheets or PDF fleet lists, this API provides a live, query-based interface that grows in capability over time. Current endpoints deliver core fleet identity and operator linkage, and upcoming releases will unlock deeper insights, including:
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Seating layouts and capacities
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PRM-compliant accessibility attributes
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Wi-Fi, power, and onboard facilities
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Carriage-level identifiers and formation logic
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This means one integration today unlocks progressive value tomorrow - with every future release included in your subscription. Built from trusted industry datasets and inference, continuously maintained, and standardised for interoperability.
Turn rail data into personalised travel
With the Rolling Stock API, your platform can offer journeys that fit each passenger’s needs—Wi‑Fi for remote work, PRM-compliant trains for accessible travel, power sockets for business passengers, and more.
Stop selling generic trips. Start selling tailored experiences.​​​​​
How it works
The GB Rail Rolling Stock API is a RESTful service returning structured JSON.
It’s designed to evolve in phases—so when you subscribe, you’ll get access to new data as soon as it’s released.
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Release Roadmap
The API is being released in phases. Each phase adds new attributes. All customers automatically get access to new data as soon as it’s live.
Attribute
Release
Status
TOPS class code & fleet name
Initial
Due '25
Operator details (current allocation)
Initial
Due '25
Formation & vehicle count
Initial
Due '25
Manufacturer, build years
Initial
Due '25
Carriage-level identifiers
Later
Due '26
Capacity information
Later
Due '26
Boarding and service type
Later
Due '26
Seating layout
Later
Due '26
Accessibility features
Later
Due '26
Onboard comfort facilities
Later
Due '26
Specialist fleet attributes
Later
Due '26
One API. One subscription. Automatic upgrades.
Who it’s for
The Rolling Stock API bridges the gap between fleet-level transparency and practical digital applications. Here’s how different users benefit:​​​
Journey-planning & mobility platforms
Give your users richer journey context. Show fleet class details on results pages, let passengers know whether their service typically has Wi-Fi or power sockets, and build confidence into the booking experience.
AI assistants & chatbots
When a customer asks “Will my train have tables?" is on my train?” or “Can I bring my bike with me” your bot can now answer with structured data from a trusted source.
Accessibility and compliance teams
Future releases include PRM-compliance attributes, wheelchair spaces, and toilet availability - vital for Equality Act compliance and public-sector accessibility standards.
Consultancies, transport analysts, and ESG teams
Use fleet characteristics and capacity details to model demand, emissions, or franchise compliance. Supports DfT reporting and sustainability disclosures.
Operations & maintenance stakeholders
Once carriage identifiers and formation logic go live, link rolling stock directly into maintenance workflows or fleet performance dashboards.
Rolling stock data isn’t just operational: it underpins legal compliance, accessibility, and sustainability commitments.​
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Accessibility & Equality
Future releases include PRM-compliant attributes (wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding aids). These support:
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Equality Act 2010 compliance for digital services
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Public Sector Accessibility Regulations (2018) for journey information tools
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Inclusive mobility standards
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Transparency & Legibility
Users increasingly expect information about access and comfort features, including accessible facilities, seating configuration. and onboard amenities. The API provides a structured way to meet these expectations.
Sustainability & ESG Reporting
Fleet composition and onboard facilities influence emissions and passenger comfort. This dataset supports:
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Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) metrics
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Low-carbon policy modelling and rolling-stock upgrade evaluations​​​​​​​​
Offer Personalised Journeys
Imagine being able to sell rail journeys that aren’t just about origin and destination, but tailored to each passenger’s personal requirements. With the Rolling Stock API, your platform can surface trains that match user preferences - whether that’s guaranteed Wi‑Fi for remote work, power sockets for device charging, first‑class seating for business travellers, or PRM‑compliant features for those needing step‑free access and wheelchair spaces. Combine fleet‑level insights with routing logic, and you can transform journey planning into personalised journey design, reducing uncertainty and building confidence in rail as the most comfortable, connected, and inclusive travel choice.
Enabling Personalised Rail Retailing
Imagine:
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A business traveller sees only services with first-class seating, Wi-Fi, and power at every table.
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A family group is routed onto trains with luggage space and dedicated family-friendly areas.
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A passenger with reduced mobility gets options filtered by PRM compliance, accessible toilets, and boarding ramps.
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A remote worker books a train with strong Wi-Fi and reliable socket availability—because the API provides the data.
By merging this rolling stock intelligence with your booking logic, you can move beyond static timetables and into personalised rail retailing.​​​​​
Try it or subscribe
The GB Rail Rolling Stock will be available soon, subscriptions will include automatic access to all future releases.
DataWharf feeds are available via the Rail Data Marketplace with subscription offers tailored to suit rail industry organisations as well as general users. Full details are available on each product listing via the links below. Contact us to discuss bespoke packages.
Explore more with DataWharf
The GB Rail Carbon Calculator works best when combined with other DataWharf APIs.
Popular combinations include:
Explore our suite of APIs or contact us to discuss a custom bundle for your use case.