Broken down train at Herne Hill 29/09/15

[asylumxl]

Another day, another problem on Thameslink.

Now, I'm not one to usually whinge as I realise the running of a busy railway is not simple, but I have to say on this occasion Govia's communication of information has been abysmal.

Couple that with the first northbound trains being changed to all stations and it makes for some fun indeed.

Anyone else caught up in this?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Another day, another problem on Thameslink.

Now, I'm not one to usually whinge as I realise the running of a busy railway is not simple, but I have to say on this occasion Govia's communication of information has been abysmal.

Couple that with the first northbound trains being changed to all stations and it makes for some fun indeed.

Anyone else caught up in this?

I just thank the Lord I am not caught up in this - stuffs both the diverted Brighton etc services and the Sutton Loop. Yes a trickle can go round via Streatham Common and Factory Junction on the down - but a nightmare scenario for all.

 

[hawkeye]

Arrived at Farringdon at about 5.30 just as the dead train and it's rescue were changing power. Was a bit odd to see so much 319 heading northwards - all 16 cars of it. Got on the second train through which thankfully started at Black friars and so wasn't rammed on arrival.

 

[Bald Rick]

As an employee of the railway, I made a resolution many years ago never to criticise any part of it in public.

But this one has tested my resolve to the limits.

 

[asylumxl]

As an employee of the railway, I made a resolution many years ago never to criticise any part of it in public.

But this one has tested my resolve to the limits.

Were you getting fed up with passengers holding doors open and not standing away from the train? If so, you might have been my driver.
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I just thank the Lord I am not caught up in this - stuffs both the diverted Brighton etc services and the Sutton Loop. Yes a trickle can go round via Streatham Common and Factory Junction on the down - but a nightmare scenario for all.

I waited for several Bedford trains including the 1722 from Elephant and Castle to Bedford, which unfortunately as far as I can tell never left Bellingham sidings. I guess it had no driver due to the disruption.

 

[Bald Rick]

Were you getting fed up with passengers holding doors open and not standing away from the train? If so, you might have been my driver.

Oh no. I meant I will never criticise other parts of the railway, or the part I work for. But I today came very close to doing that!

(Eg to ask questions about a 1hr 20 min gap in Bedford services, or 4 all stations services to Luton / St Albans in 10 minutes the first of which was full, the other three empty, any one of which could have run fast to balance the load and start back closer to time. And all this fully 3-4 hours after the incident was resolved. I'm sure there's good reasons, but I can't think of them)

 

[asylumxl]

Oh no. I meant I will never criticise other parts of the railway, or the part I work for. But I today came very close to doing that!

(Eg to ask questions about a 1hr 20 min gap in Bedford services, or 4 all stations services to Luton / St Albans in 10 minutes the first of which was full, the other three empty, any one of which could have run fast to balance the load and start back closer to time. And all this fully 3-4 hours after the incident was resolved. I'm sure there's good reasons, but I can't think of them)

Fair enough! They also made the first few Bedford trains to make their way north all stations.

Obviously I'm uninformed, but I'd have thought it'd have made more sense to make the first one (which was incidentally my train) a semi-fast to Bedford and then have the Bedford train right behind run all stations.

Glad the passengers weren't the only people unhappy about things.

 

[LAX54]

Oh no. I meant I will never criticise other parts of the railway, or the part I work for. But I today came very close to doing that!

(Eg to ask questions about a 1hr 20 min gap in Bedford services, or 4 all stations services to Luton / St Albans in 10 minutes the first of which was full, the other three empty, any one of which could have run fast to balance the load and start back closer to time. And all this fully 3-4 hours after the incident was resolved. I'm sure there's good reasons, but I can't think of them)

When TMS arrives, all that will be a thing of tha past ! LOL at least that is how it's promoted !

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Ah the curse - promise of the Digital railway.

I have some previous on this route as a passenger - and I boil when they make a Bedford all stations after a major gap - no logic whatsover as it causes more delay and disruption to those paying the most money and who a have lack of other choices - like St Albans. I do hope someone will be taking this up firmly (wink) with GTR.

 

[infobleep]

Oh no. I meant I will never criticise other parts of the railway, or the part I work for. But I today came very close to doing that!

(Eg to ask questions about a 1hr 20 min gap in Bedford services, or 4 all stations services to Luton / St Albans in 10 minutes the first of which was full, the other three empty, any one of which could have run fast to balance the load and start back closer to time. And all this fully 3-4 hours after the incident was resolved. I'm sure there's good reasons, but I can't think of them)

Wow that reminds me of bus services when they bunch up. First one or two packed and next ones empty. Only thing trains can't do is overtake one another if on the same track.

 

[vrbarreto]

I was on the 16:10 from Luton going towards Brighton... We got stuck at Harpenden.. The driver tried to keep us informed of what was going on.. In the end he helpfully recommended that we all catch a train back to Luton and catch the Mainline service into St Pancras.

He also said a few other things which made a bit of sense but not to be repeated on an open forum

Was about an hour late.. Did feel sorry for the people who I bumped into in London Bridge who had been trying to get to Luton airport from Mill Hill Broadway.. They had been told to get to London Bridge and catch a train to Luton airport from there!!! I directed them back to the Northern line and St Pancras...