I do not think it is right that some train companies use 'false destinations' on departure board screens, unless there are no ticketing implications.
For example, I have no issue with GWR advertising their stopping trains as terminating at places like Cholsey or Twyford out of Paddington, and to Ealing Broadway in the opposite direction; all the trains on this route are operated by GWR.
But I have big concerns with York <> Leeds trains operated by Northern only going to the penultimate destination (e.g. Cross Gates if heading to Leeds). Passengers may have Advance tickets that are only valid on these trains, and their reservation may say something like 1718 York to Leeds, yet there is no such train shown on the boards.
The issue also affects walk-up passengers; the cheapest fares from York to Leeds are all routed "Northern Only" and yet at certain times of day there are no Northern trains shown on departure screens as going to Leeds.
I asked several family members what they would do if they were booked on the 1718 York to Leeds and the departure board showed the only train to Leeds as the 1724, with the 1718 only going as far as Cross Gates, and all said they would be confused.
I've attached a summary departure board; the screen on the platform shows all stopping points and appears to show Cross Gates as a final destination, while anyone looking for Leeds on the main departure boards would only see other operators services.
https://twitter.com/TheLadySolar/status/1160618369529331714?s=19
Note this occurs at certain times only e.g. at evenings or weekends, when there can be only one train per hour that calls at (nearly) all stations; for much of the day there are two non-overtaken Northern trains per hour, so you may not see this phenomenon when you travel.
I understand Northern and LNER are both aware of it, so hopefully it will be fixed soon
For example, I have no issue with GWR advertising their stopping trains as terminating at places like Cholsey or Twyford out of Paddington, and to Ealing Broadway in the opposite direction; all the trains on this route are operated by GWR.
But I have big concerns with York <> Leeds trains operated by Northern only going to the penultimate destination (e.g. Cross Gates if heading to Leeds). Passengers may have Advance tickets that are only valid on these trains, and their reservation may say something like 1718 York to Leeds, yet there is no such train shown on the boards.
The issue also affects walk-up passengers; the cheapest fares from York to Leeds are all routed "Northern Only" and yet at certain times of day there are no Northern trains shown on departure screens as going to Leeds.
I asked several family members what they would do if they were booked on the 1718 York to Leeds and the departure board showed the only train to Leeds as the 1724, with the 1718 only going as far as Cross Gates, and all said they would be confused.
I've attached a summary departure board; the screen on the platform shows all stopping points and appears to show Cross Gates as a final destination, while anyone looking for Leeds on the main departure boards would only see other operators services.
https://twitter.com/TheLadySolar/status/1160618369529331714?s=19
Ayah Alfawaris said:@LNER hey, the train from York to Leeds does not mention anywhere that it is the one! Asked the operators, they confirmed it is stopping at Leeds. How about you fix your departure screens to stop confusing people?
LNER said:Sorry, Ayah. I believe it displays as Cross Gates as the service is slower so will direct people to the more frequent faster services. ^BG
Is this official authorisation by LNER for customers to take the faster TPE services? It could be interpreted that way!Ayah Alfawaris said:But we already bought specific timed tickets so we have to take this route. Taking Leeds off the screen is just wrong!
Note this occurs at certain times only e.g. at evenings or weekends, when there can be only one train per hour that calls at (nearly) all stations; for much of the day there are two non-overtaken Northern trains per hour, so you may not see this phenomenon when you travel.
I understand Northern and LNER are both aware of it, so hopefully it will be fixed soon
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