Clearly I'm not advocating trespass (if that's what it was)
It was. We both know it.
There are too many people in this and other threads that are very much advocating and supporting the trespass onto the track which did endanger the lives of the individuals concerned. There are many excuses being touted. The issue is that it is a very stupid and dangerous thing to do. All it takes is a single person to make that initial decision to egress and it then starts a wave of people who follow because others are doing it. That group mentality gives a false sense of security and just increases the dangers involved. You and others in this thread are happy to be that first person to egress and justify your actions with little concern for other or any consequence whatsoever.
The action of a single individual snowballed into a disaster. The impact of the juice going off knocked the same situation to other trains.
- I'm saying that it's impossible to stop people doing this, especially when they can see the station and they want to get home. I know that it's technically trespassing,
The train batteries should be used to maintain PA, lighting and heat for as long as possible. Particularly the PA to KEEP PASSENGERS INFORMED.
There is always going to be a situation where the battery will fail or simply expire. How big and how long do you want them to last ? How much are people prepared to pay for a complete retrofit of batteries ? Is any of it even possible ?
Too often the driver isn't given enough information to be able to keep passengers calm and informed. Given that the Hampshire 13 hour stranding had been alll over the news that morning, when the Lewisham passengers heard nothing,
I wasn't on the train so I am not prepared to state if announcements were done or the state of the PA. There has been no reports of what was happening on board. Everyone has jumped to that conclusion.
I would however, agree that we are not informed. SG typically garners a 'wait' response and nothing more and we are pretty much sitting there with no information. Should that be changed ? Absolutely. Is it ? Yes. My issue is then the problem that regardless of the number of announcements that are made, people will ignore them (feel free to read the announcement thread) or simple make their own decision as to their behavior. No matter how many times you tell people to stay on the train. Someone, like you, will still decide to egress because they believe they are in the right or simply know better.
I suspect they were concerned they'd be left to rot until daylight. If the current batteries aren't up to the job, fit bigger batteries (weight penalty, I know).
And then bigger ones, and then bigger ones... etc.
The real solution is to find a way to stop 3rd rail trains getting stuck like this in the 1st place. Perhaps a small diesel engine or battery backup for "last mile power" a la Class 88 might be a way forward.
When each signal section contains a train, how do you get the rescue train there ? A solution could be to heat every cm of third rail so that it can't ice over. They could fit de-icing fluid to every single unit rather than just the mainline fleet, fit every single train with snow ploughs and ice breaker shoes etc etc. The monumental cost will be passed to the passenger. Any solution just lives in the realm of fantasy unfortunately.