ORCATS

ORCATS (Operational Research Computerised Allocation of Tickets to Services), is a complex mathematical behavioural model. Created in 1982 by BR Operational Research to assist the evaluation of investment and changes in passenger services. It applies over 70 customer profiles to A set of reference files the current fares available across the network, the timetable that operates on selected sample dates within the timetable and historic sales data of the GB Passenger railway. Applying a set of ORCATS rules within the model to create allocation factors for each rail flow. Through the creation of millions of mini timetables. Known in the model as Opportunities To Travel. In simple terms it determines the attractiveness of trains to customers for each possible origin to destination journey. Theses allocation factors are applied to Ticket sales data, by the railways settlement system Lennon. It uses these ORCATS Allocation factors to apportion sales revenue to Each railway carrier represented on each flow. This apportioned sales revenue is known as passenger rail earnings. The ORCATS model is hosted by Worldline, and is owned by RSP Ltd. RSP is part of the Rail Delivery Group. The ORCATS model is run twice a year , with new allocation factors applied for the May and December timetables.

History

Before nationalisation, a similar function was carried out by the Railway Clearing House.[1]


References
  1. "Meerkats, Mere Cats Or Orcats?". Public Transport Experience. 20 October 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
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