Thameslink Problems

[GordonT]

Rather like taxes and the poor there is a sense that recurring significant unreliability of Thameslink will always be with us. Trains are currently being delayed by c.30 minutes northbound in the Blackfriars area due to signalling fault. Meanwhile a number of real-time information system displays are in denial about these delays.

 

[al78]

Signalling faults are common, not sure if or whether it is worn out equipment or cable theft which is the main cause.

 

[uglymonkey]

Can't see it's cable theft in the "core", it's too intensive for them to get the cable without meeting a train !! It does seem to suffer from " A butterfly flaps its wings near 3 bridges" and the whole system has cascade delays and knockon's all too frequently.

 

[MrJeeves]

Meanwhile a number of real-time information system displays are in denial about these delays.

There are currently unrelated issues with the system used to show live running information (Darwin) which started yesterday evening.

 

[GordonT]

There are currently unrelated issues with the system used to show live running information (Darwin) which started yesterday evening.

View attachment 154562

Unrelated fault but very unfortunate to have coincided at the very time when the demand for accurate live running information soared.

 

[OxtedL]

Trains were getting through Blackfriars fine but with a small delay that strained capacity and just kept snowballing - the control teams needed to be much more aggressive in thinning out the service that they were on this occasion.

 

[MrJeeves]

I don't know about you but my train about 10 mins ago was sat outside BFR for about 4 mins, on the platform for 2 mins, then just off the end of the platform for another 5 mins.

 

[OxtedL]

I think a typical train is losing 1-2 minutes at the first signal north of Blackfriars, but potentially significantly more just before Blackfriars waiting for trains ahead to get through this.

In the morning peak this spiralled over an hour or so from 3 minute delays to 10 minute delays to 30 minute delays.

 

[Spartacus]

Rather like taxes and the poor there is a sense that recurring significant unreliability of Thameslink will always be with us. Trains are currently being delayed by c.30 minutes northbound in the Blackfriars area due to signalling fault. Meanwhile a number of real-time information system displays are in denial about these delays.

It's the nature of the beast, a route with many arms in many directions, all concentrated on one two track core, meaning delays from one place will quickly be spread far and wide.