UK Next Train - SwiftBar/xbar Plugin

A SwiftBar/xbar plugin that displays real-time UK train departure information with intelligent commuter mode switching.

Features

• Smart Commuter Mode: Automatically switches between "to work" and "to home" routes based on time of day
• Real-time Data: Uses National Rail data via Huxley2 API (no credentials required)
• Next Train Focus: Shows the most urgent next train in the menu bar
• Status-Based Color Coding: Red for cancelled next train, orange for issues in later trains, green for all clear
• Platform Information: Optional platform and operator display
• Quick Switch: Easy toggle between directions in auto mode
• Dark Mode Support: Adapts colors for macOS dark mode

Installation

1. Install SwiftBar or xbar
2. Download uk_next_train.5m.py to your plugins folder
3. Make it executable: chmod +x uk_next_train.5m.py
4. Configure your stations in SwiftBar preferences

Configuration

The plugin supports these preferences (configurable via SwiftBar):

• Home/Work Station: Auto mode stations (default: WIM/WAT)
• Switch Time: Time to change from to-work to to-home (default: 12:00)
• Mode: auto for smart switching or manual for fixed route
• Train Count: Number of trains to show (default: 3)
• Show Platform: Display platform information (default: true)
• Show Operator: Display train operator (default: false)

Station Codes

Common UK station codes:

• WAT: Waterloo
• WIM: Wimbledon
• LBG: London Bridge
• VIC: Victoria
• CHX: Charing Cross
• PAD: Paddington
• KGX: Kings Cross
• EUS: Euston
• LST: Liverpool Street

How It Works

Auto Mode (Recommended)

• Morning: Shows home → work trains (e.g., Wimbledon → Waterloo)
• Evening: Shows work → home trains (e.g., Waterloo → Wimbledon)
• Switch Time: Customizable time when direction changes (default: 12:00)

Manual Mode

• Always shows the specified from → to route
• Useful for non-commuters or irregular schedules

Sample Output

Menu Bar: 🚂 Next: 5m (color indicates overall train status)

Dropdown Menu:

🚂 Wimbledon → London Waterloo
📍 Mode: Manual (Home→Work) | color=gray
🕐 Updated: 08:51:34 | color=gray
---
✅ 08:54 (2m) Plat 5 to London Waterloo | color=red font=Monaco
✅ 09:02 (10m) Plat 5 to London Waterloo | color=orange font=Monaco
✅ 09:05 (13m) Plat 5 to London Waterloo | color=orange font=Monaco
---

Color Coding

Menu Bar Icon (🚂)

• 🚂 + Red: Next train is cancelled
• 🚂 + Orange: Any train apart from the next is not on time (delayed or cancelled)
• 🚂 + Green: All trains have no issues (all on time)

Train Status Icons

• ✅: On time
• ⏰: Delayed
• ❌: Cancelled

Data Source

Uses the free Huxley2 API which provides real-time National Rail data without requiring API credentials.

Requirements

• macOS with SwiftBar or xbar
• Python 3 (built into macOS)
• Internet connection

Privacy

• No personal data collected
• No API keys required
• Only accesses public National Rail data
• All processing done locally

Support

For issues or feature requests, please visit the GitHub repository.

License

MIT License - feel free to modify and share!