Inaccurate platform clocks

[SpacePhoenix]

Looking at the photo of the OP, the clock on the left side is on the Metrolink platform and not the Network Rail platform. That island platform is split use (further away side - Metrolink, nearest side - Network Rail). So, it's possible that the two clocks aren't synchronised because they are controlled by independent systems. Not a great situation all the same. The whole site is owned by Manchester Airport with a split lease between Network Rail and Metrolink.

Could the airport provide a time feed to the whole train station?

 

[QueensCurve]

The attached photo, taken at Manchester Airport on 11 August, shows platform clocks showing times that differ by 24 seconds. This seems enough to have the potential for a passenger who misses a train to complain about early departure, or early closing of the doors, though whether you'd succeed is uncertain.

They should be slaved to a central master throughout the network.

This has been the case in Switzerland since 1947.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The PIS ones are. If the others aren't, remove them - there are plenty of PIS displays on most stations these days.

 

[adamello]

In all these hypothetical scenarios, why do passengers have no way of telling the time until they're 30 seconds away from departure and already standing on the platform?

Because if there is lit up clocks displayed all around the station, (I've been known to check three as I pass through just to double and triple check my progress), the reasonable man would think that these would be correct and serve the purpose and not have the thought that all could be wrong so i'll double check my watch or phone

 

[brettb]

The clocks at East Croydon are all over the place.