Viriato allows the comparison of alternative scenarios and the option to distinguish where changes have been made. The benefits of using Viriato to simulate network scenarios include:

• The consideration of the combined effect of all known variables and uncertainties
• Early detection of problems and conflicts before major decisions are implemented
• Reduction in design errors in preliminary planning stages
• Reduction in project implementation length.

The software incorporates a top-down or ‘services-centric’ methodology in its application allowing the user to develop train services first before specifying the network constraints required. Viriato was designed for developing timetables based on coordinated regular interval services and has a range of easy to master tools for that purpose.

Viriato has outputs in formats including Excel and RailML. Timetable exports can be readily used for testing reliability and robustness in OpenTrack.