Why UK stations have far longer connection time than European ones

[geoffk]

The obvious ones are where it’s a de facto through working. Can’t give specific examples but there have been plenty on here in the past.

Ormskirk to Blackpool South, BPS to Colne and Colne to Ormskirk were de facto through workings although shown on timetables as terminating at Preston. Is this still the method of working? The 1655 Carmarthen to Manchester Picc and 2214 MAN to Chester is the same train.

 

[Falcon1200]

So rather than a blanket high connection time, why not using a low connection with option of longer connection time (like what DB journey planner works), instead of making loads of travellers suffering long waiting time?

Because it makes specifying connectional allowances even more complicated and confusing.

 

[Bletchleyite]

But 90% of them would be fit and knowledgeable. So rather than a blanket high connection time, why not using a low connection with option of longer connection time (like what DB journey planner works), instead of making loads of travellers suffering long waiting time?

I am reasonably fit and very knowledgeable about railways but still find a 3 minute connection at Lausanne stressful.

Ormskirk to Blackpool South, BPS to Colne and Colne to Ormskirk were de facto through workings although shown on timetables as terminating at Preston. Is this still the method of working?

I believe not, an extra unit has been added into the circuit to make things more reliable, the punctuality of the three routes was terrible until this happened.

 

[IanXC]

I am not convinced it even plays a part in it, or even that a lot of TOCs even know its in their gift to alter it.

Oh absolutely, but if a TOC were to sit down and analyse the problem it would surely be an apparent factor. I do wonder, given that for the most part newly added platforms are Network Rail projects, and that minimum connection time is generally an inter TOC issue whether it wouldn't make more sense for the system operator to be responsible for setting the connection time.

 

[The Planner]

Oh absolutely, but if a TOC were to sit down and analyse the problem it would surely be an apparent factor. I do wonder, given that for the most part newly added platforms are Network Rail projects, and that minimum connection time is generally an inter TOC issue whether it wouldn't make more sense for the system operator to be responsible for setting the connection time.

I can just imagine the grief that process would cause, you wouldnt stand a chance at multiple operator stations of getting it agreed.