Door close buttons for customers

[blueberry11]

I just noticed that some new(er) trains are no longer fitting the door close buttons. I am thinking this is because the doors close automatically after either ~10 seconds after the last passenger movement (idk how to explain) or after the driver hits the door close/lock button. Is the door close button useful in anyway, especially if it is hot/cold outside? I am thinking that the door open buttons, are used far more than the door closing buttons.

The Class 345, 720, 745, 755, 777s (all made from 2015) don't have the door close buttons from what I can remember, but they do all have the option to open it.

 

[zwk500]

I just noticed that some new(er) trains are no longer fitting the door close buttons. I am thinking this is because the doors close automatically after either ~10 seconds after the last passenger movement (idk how to explain) or after the driver hits the door close/lock button. Is the door close button useful in anyway, especially if it is hot/cold outside? I am thinking that the door open buttons, are used far more than the door closing buttons.

The Class 345, 720, 745, 755, 777s (all made from 2015) don't have the door close buttons from what I can remember, but they do all have the option to open it.

On trains such as the Class 345 and 777 which are built for metro-type services I completely get there's no real need for an extra button to close the doors.

However C2C's 720s seem to have the door close button so maybe it's just Operator preference? https://callumelsdon.com/articles/i-finally-try-british-rail-operator-c2cs-new-trains

 

[Adrian1980uk]

I can't imagine why there would be any need for customer operated door close button as the only real reason for individual customer operated door open buttons is so you don't unnecessarily lose all the heat / cool at stations when no one wants to get on or off from that carriage.

 

[driver9000]

Must be a London area commuter train feature as new build long distance and regional stock have door close buttons for the passenger to use. After a set period the door closes by itself if nothing passes through it anyway.

 

[Northerngirl]

Isn't there something on the aventras that if you hold down the button for 10s it closes

 

[greaterangrier]

Isn't there something on the aventras that if you hold down the button for 10s it closes

I believe that only applies in train clear? mode - it will close the doors on that single carriage.
Otherwise, holding the button down will lock the associated door open until the driver closes them again. Staff may do this when a ramp is required for boarding, for example

 

[blueberry11]

On trains such as the Class 345 and 777 which are built for metro-type services I completely get there's no real need for an extra button to close the doors.

However C2C's 720s seem to have the door close button so maybe it's just Operator preference? https://callumelsdon.com/articles/i-finally-try-british-rail-operator-c2cs-new-trains

I forgot that c2c had 720s but retained the close button. Which then that leaves as to why Greater Anglia removed the door close button on all of their new trains? Maybe the fact that they close automatically after ~10 seconds with no detection. GA do intercity and regional services as well as some commuter ones. Pretty much every train out there has the door close button, but its slowly getting out of here. Not sure about Avanti's new 805s or TfW/WMT's new trains.

However, I am seeing if the door close buttons are actually useful and needed even though it is not commonly used by passengers.

 

[jammmmmsssssss]

Must be a London area commuter train feature as new build long distance and regional stock have door close buttons for the passenger to use. After a set period the door closes by itself if nothing passes through it anyway.

745s are long distance and 755s are regional

 

[AndrewE]

I like "door close" buttons. If you get into a nice warm train when it is cold and windy outside and there is nobody behind you it makes sense to push it and get warm again more quickly. Equally it is annoying to be on a train, see one person get on and then have to sit shivering in the draught until the guard closes the doors for departure.
(My response is probably coloured by the proportion of journeys I still make on "Sprinters," i.e. Class 150 variants!)

 

[boiledbeans2]

When the train is rammed and I'm standing at a door, after whoever wanted to get off has got off, I use the door close button to shut the door to reduce the chances of someone else trying to board by the same door.

EDIT: I forgot to mention - usually, when the train is rammed, you will have to balance the needs of opening the door for fresh air and closing the door to prevent anyone else boarding at your door. So the procedure is - open the door - stick your head out to breathe - when you spot someone walking down the platform trying to find a door which is not rammed - shut your door before they arrive, especially if there's still space in your doorway for someone to squeeze in.

 

[Cambus731]

I used to take the opportunity to close the doors on the Class 321s in cold weather, especially at stops between Shenfield and Southend.

 

[Nippy]

Yep, I also close them on 350s if the weather is wet/cold when I get on if no one is behind me.