New style for Elizabeth line platform departure screens?

[Ps192]

At Paddington westbound today. Eastbound still shows old style. No more scrolling through the line diagram.

 

[iphone76]

It's a week trial from 26th September at Paddington and Liverpool Street stations.

Apparently the changes are:-

• Incorporate stopping patterns for the next three trains.
• Improve Heathrow services by displaying ALL the Heathrow Terminals that the train calls at as the destination (rather than simply the final destination).
• Add in ‘via’ for east bound services (Stratford/Canary Wharf).
• Feature a clearer message for terminating trains.

 

[Bletchleyite]

That doesn't read very clearly due to the split screens. It'd work better to put the "calling at" under the train and have two columns. Better than it was though.

 

[Ps192]

At Liverpool Street Station. This one shows a different style on the right panel with a scrolling line diagram but larger red crosses for stations not called at.

 

[James H]

I don't like that one - it's a mess with all those X es

 

[stuu]

Yes, I agree, that's terrible.

Next train on the left, with calling points below. Following trains on the right screen. Job done

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, I agree, that's terrible.

Next train on the left, with calling points below. Following trains on the right screen. Job done

Agree. Basically just make it near enough the same as a National Rail one which most people will be familiar with.

It'd be fine to do it by way of "S1 to Reading, S2 to Heathrow" and the likes if calling points were totally consistent and simple but I don't think they are?

 

[Horizon22]

Agree. Basically just make it near enough the same as a National Rail one which most people will be familiar with.

It'd be fine to do it by way of "S1 to Reading, S2 to Heathrow" and the likes if calling points were totally consistent and simple but I don't think they are?

They are not, especially on the GWML. The problem is that it is a linear screen, but there is obviously a branch off at Hayes and Harlington / Whitechapel and that's probably not easy to show in such a format.

The destination screen on the left is much better though with vias and the airport symbol.

As stated these are on trial at a couple of stations to get passenger feedback on which options are best.

 

[Bletchleyite]

As stated these are on trial at a couple of stations to get passenger feedback on which options are best.

Would be nice if they'd also try a more conventional mainline-style layout.

 

[Taunton]

Hopefully the revisions have also addressed some of the long-known gross errors of getting out of kilter with the actual trains running, particularly at times of disruption.

 

[Horizon22]

Would be nice if they'd also try a more conventional mainline-style layout.

They are two separate screens, so not sure that would be feasible.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Sep 2023 ==

Hopefully the revisions have also addressed some of the long-known gross errors of getting out of kilter with the actual trains running, particularly at times of disruption.

That will always from time to time until a train enters the central section, as the CIS is consistently estimating and might get it wrong. Happens on London Underground too and anything with a countdown timer has the potential to have this issue.

 

[MrJeeves]

At Liverpool Street Station. This one shows a different style on the right panel with a scrolling line diagram but larger red crosses for stations not called at.

This is absolutely terrible...

 

[Bletchleyite]

They are two separate screens, so not sure that would be feasible.

One of them is about the same size as a normal 3 line scrolly one and could use the same format. Other stuff like special notices could go on the other one.

 

[Horizon22]

One of them is about the same size as a normal 3 line scrolly one and could use the same format. Other stuff like special notices could go on the other one.

Personally I think the best option would be a scrolling calling patterns list, albeit the speed of the scroll would have to be carefully designed to not be too fast, or I guess too slow!

 

[Taunton]

That will always from time to time until a train enters the central section, as the CIS is consistently estimating and might get it wrong. Happens on London Underground too and anything with a countdown timer has the potential to have this issue.

I have never encountered these ones, which I might understand. As discussed here before, I refer to trains in service with passengers inside actually at the platform being shown as "not in service" at every one of their stops in the core, trains mid-core completely missing from the indicators, and such like.

The drivers might spot a mismatch on the platform indicators as they enter, and make an announcement, but of course with this novel style of having them over the doors rather than the traditional hung across the platform nobody in the train now gets to see them.

 

[Horizon22]

I have never encountered these ones, which I might understand. As discussed here before, I refer to trains in service with passengers inside actually at the platform being shown as "not in service" at every one of their stops in the core, trains mid-core completely missing from the indicators, and such like.

The drivers might spot a mismatch on the platform indicators as they enter, and make an announcement, but of course with this novel style of having them over the doors rather than the traditional hung across the platform nobody in the train now gets to see them.

Ah I see. I've personally not see much of that recently compared to previously which might suggest TfL have got to the bottom of that issue. A "not in service" which is actually running sounds like an incorrect cancellation.

 

[NSEWonderer]

I would have kept it simple with the following:



Maybe on that second screen then also display a bigger version of the already existing minimap / route map that shows the other lines available on said stations and the step free access. Step free access icon would only show if its available, if it isn't then as expected it won't show. Screen two would flash between the text list of stations and the minimap / route map image.



Version with the separation bars:

 

[Taunton]

Ah I see. I've personally not see much of that recently compared to previously which might suggest TfL have got to the bottom of that issue. A "not in service" which is actually running sounds like an incorrect cancellation.

The real issue seems that the train internal information and signalling was done by one supplier, who (fortunately) seemed to know what they were doing, while the public information was done by a different supplier, and the interface between the two seems to have been done by the interns. Actually that is probably unfair, as the departures rubbish displayed last Christmas/New Year, with the special timetables, apparently taxed the key members of the software team, but to no avail.

 

[northwichcat]

One improvement is it does mention Heathrow T2&T3, even if the train continues to Heathrow T5. Previously they showed just the termius station.

 

[Purple Train]

I far prefer the style in the opening post. The "not stopping at:" is confusing, especially given (in my experience) it doesn't always show every station on the line diagram.

The crosses, however - what on earth is the point in having them out east? Out west, where the calling patterns on the same physical line vary, I can understand, but a quick look at one of the prominent maps will show that Abbey Wood trains don't call at GE stations and Heathrow trains don't call at stations to Reading. If they want to use line diagrams on the PISes - which I don't like - then they could at least do the passengers a favour by not including superfluous information.

 

[LLivery]

Saw these at Paddington, I was wondering why it was only on one screen.

I'm glad they're recognising they need improving - having stations crossed out isn't a great idea as the line is so thin you might not even notice it and just jump on.

The x's look ridiculous. We're used to National Rail style info - it gets straight to the point. Although I do like RER's solution:




They should also list all calling points onboard. Doesn't need to announce them all like Thameslink does, but SWT style, quietly scrolling across the screen between each station would be good.

As stated these are on trial at a couple of stations to get passenger feedback on which options are best.

Is there a link to give feedback?

 

[Via Bank]

The calling points layout is a bit of a mess on the first one. A wall of small print.

I actually like the line diagrams but it looks like it’s been misconfigured for the eastern branches (no need to display X’s on the Shenfield branch for an Abbey Wood train at all.) And cosmetically the X looks a bit silly and needs refinement, but it does get the point across.

One option could be to advertise service patterns à la Metropolitan line (all stations to Hayes and Harlington, semi-fast to Heathrow etc.)

 

[thomalex]

Personally I'd list the stations the train isn't stopping at. It's a metro service after all and the expectation is it will stop at all stations, it also provides the information quickly rather than having to scroll or read through a large list of stations.

If I'm getting on a train heading east and it's not stopping at say Acton Main Line then that's what I need to know, as I would otherwise expect it to stop there.

Here's a quick example based on the photo above:

1 - Heathrow Terminal 4 .	All stations ✅
2 - Terminates here
3 - Maidenhead	Not calling at ❌ Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell .
4 - Heathrow Terminal 5	All stations ✅

 

[Busman]

They are supposed to be an improvement? They're pathetic. You could get a 5 year old to do better.

Where will the station interchange information go or are they removing that completely?

 

[TRXsouth]

1 - Heathrow Terminal 4 .	All stations ✅
2 - Terminates here
3 - Maidenhead	Not calling at ❌ Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell .
4 - Heathrow Terminal 5	All stations ✅

I think international travellers who may or may not speak English would find it more reassuring if the airport trains were simply displayed to include the other terminals served plus recognised symbol, but not the ‘(change at…)‘ from this post’s opening photo -
1 - Heathrow T2&3 T4 [plane icon]
4 - Heathrow T2&3 T5 [plane icon]

 

[LLivery]

They are supposed to be an improvement? They're pathetic. You could get a 5 year old to do better.

Where will the station interchange information go or are they removing that completely?

Is the interchange info really needed? You've got the maps and if you've got a station in mind, you probably already know the interchange option(s).

 

[Bletchleyite]

Is the interchange info really needed? You've got the maps and if you've got a station in mind, you probably already know the interchange option(s).

Given what other countries do, seeking to harmonise calling patterns and number the services EL1, EL2 etc with clear maps on display would be the best option. Same with the Met - either all Amershams should be fast, or all trains should call all stations. That is without question the best way to do an urban fast metro.

Then all you need to show is EL1 Heathrow T5, say, and everyone knows (or can easily find) what that means.

 

[LLivery]

Given what other countries do, seeking to harmonise calling patterns and number the services EL1, EL2 etc with clear maps on display would be the best option. Same with the Met - either all Amershams should be fast, or all trains should call all stations. That is without question the best way to do an urban fast metro.

Then all you need to show is EL1 Heathrow T5, say, and everyone knows (or can easily find) what that means.

I absolutely agree that would be the best option. Same for the ELL and if possible, Thameslink. SR numbering had the right idea

I heard RER A did this with lettering, but as the pic above, they don't seem to have that anymore?

 

[Busman]

Is the interchange info really needed? You've got the maps and if you've got a station in mind, you probably already know the interchange option(s).

Yes I think it is, especially for people visiting London and tourists from around the world. At least it looked tidy compared to the shambles of 'improvements' they have come up with here.

Seriously, give a 5 year old a crayon.

 

[Acton1991]

At Paddington westbound today. Eastbound still shows old style. No more scrolling through the line diagram.View attachment 143679View attachment 143680

My god these are hideous - who is designing these! They are so over complicated. I agree with others, they should just note where the services are NOT calling at. Or the line diagrams should reflect the calling patters in a better way (eg two lines West from Paddington) so everyone knows the Heathrow services are not 'all stations'