Tube "Delays" Redefined

[Dave A]

Video: BBC - Tube Delays Redefined

What do we think?

I personally don't think it makes a difference to anyone but the managers who get performance related pay/bonuses.

I've been on peak tube services that take 4 times as long to do one station, yet "Good Service" has been displayed. Other times its been "Severe Delays" and I've had a smooth & fast journey with frequent trains... :roll:

So changing the timings won't really make a difference. It's got to be what defines the delay in the first place.

 

[SS4]

What is it at the moment? Usually a shift in definition does not favour the customer although standardisation can be only a good thing.

Also why does the BBC see the need to abandon text? It's ridiculous, a text article would have worked perfectly well. It seems they're trying to be cool by switching the video content but failing

 

[Dave A]

I completely agree with the video thing. Annoys the hell out of me!

It's "at the discretion of the line controller" according to the video. So yes, it does look like standardisation and guidelines may help here!

 

[SS4]

I don't mind line controllers having discretion but they should have to explain themselves if they do not set a delay after a given time. Ten minutes for minor delay is probably about right given the frequency of tubes.

 

[DavyCrocket]

I don't mind line controllers having discretion but they should have to explain themselves if they do not set a delay after a given time. Ten minutes for minor delay is probably about right given the frequency of tubes.

It's more of a service controller/line information specialist/service manager decision. Often over ruled by more senior managers.

At least this new (albeit very complicated way) of working out delay messages takes into account that although there are trains there, it is taking six times as long to make a journey!

 

[bengley]

Does that mean the Chesham and Amersham branches of the Met are constantly experiencing severe delays then?!

 

[DavyCrocket]

Does that mean the Chesham and Amersham branches of the Met are constantly experiencing severe delays then?!

No. There are other factors to consider such as headway, congestion and an incident being dealt with that will see trains move in the near future.

As with most performance indicators, it will when needed be used to management or mayoral advantage. Especially since percentage of 'good service' is now on the scorecard!

I'll have a look at the document in a bit, you do have to be a bit Brian Cox to work it out though!

 

[Progressing]

Given that there was previously no clear definition then this is an improvement as it provides consistency.

Ideally, from a purely customer perspective, I think they should be showing delays in minutes once a delay reaches 5 mins rather than use broad 'minor' or 'severe' categories that vary depending on peak or off-peak service.

It would be good if the boards also show the cause of the delay. Eg Severe, person under a train would result in me taking a different action to Severe, stalled train.

 

[SS4]

Given that there was previously no clear definition then this is an improvement as it provides consistency.

Ideally, from a purely customer perspective, I think they should be showing delays in minutes once a delay reaches 5 mins rather than use broad 'minor' or 'severe' categories that vary depending on peak or off-peak service.

It would be good if the boards also show the cause of the delay. Eg Severe, person under a train would result in me taking a different action to Severe, stalled train.

Severe, station staff cleaning small intestines and bowels from under the bogeys.

A delay in terms of minutes would be a nice step but something tells me it's beyond the capabilities of LU from a technical view. At least trains tend to stop in stations if they're delayed now (OT: Victoria-Piccadilly at Green Park is abysmal!)