How can trains be prevented from leaving early?

[SephenWorceste]

A problem for the then delayed passengers. Not a problem for the railway. Is this not often the problem.


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[northernchris]

Trains leaving minutes early isn't a problem even though Northern only warn the doors may close up to 30 seconds before the departure time?

I think it depends on how early the trains leaves, and how long it is until the next service. If it leaves a minute early I'd say that's acceptable as there could easily be a few seconds difference between PIS screens (if there are any) and the watch being used by the conductor. However I have seen on more than one occasion at Wakefield Westgate where East Coast staff have begun the despatch procedure 2-3 minutes before the scheduled departure time which has led to the train leaving early.

If a train departs 2+ minutes early and it is 30 or more minutes until the next service would they be entitled to Delay Repay?

 

[northwichcat]

How many trains left stations today?
How many of those left 'early'?
So no, not really a problem in the grand scheme of things!

If it's only a problem if it affects the majority not the minority you could argue nothing is really a problem and there's no need to order any new trains, make any station improvements etc.

 

[Tomnick]

It's not just a minority though, it's such a small minority of trains affected that the number's already close to zero - yes, it's still a problem for those who are left behind and whoever's responsible for the error, but it's hardly a significant industry-wide problem worthy of solutions on the scale of some of those proposed above!

 

[ainsworth74]

It's not just a minority though, it's such a small minority of trains affected that the number's already close to zero - yes, it's still a problem for those who are left behind and whoever's responsible for the error, but it's hardly a significant industry-wide problem worthy of solutions on the scale of some of those proposed above!

I was thinking that. Surely the most appropriate course of action could be an informal poke to those who did it just to remind them to double check diagrams/watches.

Surely the only time it needs major action is if either someone is doing it regularly or there is station/diagram where there are regular problems. But even then it doesn't need industry wide solutions!