I would like to know:
1. Why the doors didn't reopen when such a large obstacle was detected
2. Why the driver wasn't aware that the doors were still open and check for problems
3. How the driver could close the doors without first checking that passengers were clear
4. Does FCC actually hold a 20 second exit policy?!!!
5. Who can I approach to make a formal complaint other than FCC?
6. What can I expect from FCC in response to my complaint (investigation, apology, etc)?
I informed FCC on the day of the incident via email but have not yet received a response.
Would be grateful for any information, many thanks
Hi there. I think first of all under the circumstances you did well to get off as you did.
Bearing in mind I work on French high speed trains and don't know what kind of train you were on or what the station was like, my answers may not be as useful as some here, but if it helps, here's my thoughts:
1 - I guess it was an old train that doesn't have a sensitive-edge on the door. In other words the door system wouldn't have "known" there was something in the way. Newer trains will/should have such a system so when detecting an obstacle before they have travelled the required distance to close, they will open again.
2 - Two parts to that answer. It is very likely the driver in one form or another DID know, but if he didn't have line of sight or CCTV images showing, he would only know because his interface (don't know what you call them on UK trains) was telling him that a door was still open. For all he knew at that point it was only a door failure. His next action there would be to release the doors and attempt a re-close.
The second part is why didn't he check for problems? For all we know he was but didn't have time to resolve the situation you found yourself in, but judging by his unprofessional remarks (in my opinion) to you afterwards, it seems he took a different view.
3 - The driver should check the doors are clear and the platform edge is clear before closing doors. This is either done by line of sight, CCTV or a third party (guard or platform despatcher)
4 - No idea. Sounds unusual to me.
5 & 6 - there are better answers here than I can give so follow them.