Late Running Trains

[aelius]

The Windermere-Oxenholme train was running late. As it was entering Oxenholme, the train south was also arriving. There was a mad rush under the subway to get the south conection. Cases on wheels going at speed with people following. Train staff shouting to people to get on the train because it was about to set off. Told to get on first class and walk through. Took nearly to Lancastet for everyone to settle. Why? When arrived at Preston, there was a 17 minute wait until the advertised departure time. Why couldnt there have been a decision made to delay the departure at Oxenholme and a more orderly transfer encouraged?

 

[Morden Via CHX]

Not as simple as that unfortunately - a couple of minutes delay at a station can lead to a path being missed, meaning you could end up following a slow stopping service and end up with a much bigger delay. Appreciate not so much of a problem on a Sunday but peak times, even 30 seconds can cause a problem.

 

[yorkie]

Why couldnt there have been a decision made to delay the departure at Oxenholme and a more orderly transfer encouraged?

No-one would have the power to make such a decision, and there would be a 'cost' (not a real one, but a rail industry fabricated one, argued over by delay attribution officers, the salaries of which cost taxpayers £millions).

This is the UK, not Europe. Our priority appears at times to be satisfying accountants and statisticians by reaching targets, rather than providing a public service.

 

[AeroSpace]

there would be a 'cost' (not a real one, but a rail industry fabricated one, argued over by delay attribution officers, the salaries of which cost taxpayers £millions).

Surely a late arrival at Preston is a real cost to everybody going to Preston?

 

[Roverman]

Yes but how often is that cost covered by the Rail Industry?

Yorkie is referring to the many thousands of people who are paid to literally invent ways of getting ££ into the coffers of their TOC, whether it be from NR or another TOC, they literally do not care where it comes from as long as it comes from somewhere.

 

[aelius]

From a safety point of view, it would have been better if people were not encouraged to rush to catch the connection. The uncontrolled rush of wheeled luggage down the subway was dangerous. Those less agile would have been left behind.

 

[IanD]

Surely a late arrival at Preston is a real cost to everybody going to Preston?

More like a benefit if it reduces the time they have to spend in Preston.