Intercity 225 (Class 91 + Mk4) announcements

[announcements]

There is an automatic announcement system on-board the IC225s but I have never heard it in use, except that is for the 'attention train crew - Disabled passenger alarm operated" message.

I would be interested to know why this system is rarely used? Is it because it is too fiddly to operate or is it because the messages are out-of-date?

 

[DaveNewcastle]

There is also an automated message which requests the guard to contact the driver.

I don't want any more automated messages, please.

 

[brad465]

Maybe the fact many stations are too far apart for a sequence to be easily pieced out. Also could the independence of Mk4 coaches play a part in lack of announcement use?

Either way, I haven't heard them either, and even if they were used the long distances between stations, they'd be less annoying than commuter services.

 

[itsjamierawr]

I imagine it's because many long distance services in my experience don't seem to use them but opt for the more personal approach? For example Virgin Pendalinos are fitted with a system, I've heard it used a few times but most of my trips have seen it display destinations/ETAs and the TM has done the announcements, similarly on Voyagers. Chances are there isn't a great need (besides DDA) for it to be fitted?

 

[shedman]

There is an automated system which is located in the staff "bunk" in the buffet. It has programmed messages either by a bloke which all start with "welcome to intercity" then tell you the formation of the train (first class front etc) or a woman who does all the catering announcements.

 

[announcements]

There is an automated system which is located in the staff "bunk" in the buffet. It has programmed messages either by a bloke which all start with "welcome to intercity" then tell you the formation of the train (first class front etc)

Indeed, it's the one in the bunk I'm thinking of. Perhaps the 'welcome to intercity' start of each message could explain why there is greater reluctance to use it these days.

or a woman who does all the catering announcements.

I suspect these are potentially out-of-date in terms of what is offered e.g. referring to the restaurant car?

 

[shedman]

They were well out if date, offering pizzas, burgers and cooked breakfast trays!

 

[glbotu]

In Italy, they've clearly decided that automated announcements are the future. Sitting on a 3h Frecciargento journey from Venezia S.Lucia to Roma Termini involved hearing a lot of automated advertisements for the benefits of first class and the things offered in the buffet car, on top of the "next station" and "connecting services" announcements.

 

[joeykins82]

Maybe EC agreed that the automated announcements are always impersonal, unnecessarily loud and long winded and generally an annoyance?

 

[Mainliner]

Just heard one on the 225 I am on, a few minutes after reading this thread:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the conductor will shortly be passing through the train to examine your travel documents. Please have your tickets ready."

 

[507 001]

Just heard one on the 225 I am on, a few minutes after reading this thread:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the conductor will shortly be passing through the train to examine your travel documents. Please have your tickets ready."

"Travel documents" makes it sound like we're living in the USSR!

 

[bronzeonion]

Crossing the Scottish Border!

 

[Eagle]

I imagine it's because many long distance services in my experience don't seem to use them but opt for the more personal approach? For example Virgin Pendalinos are fitted with a system, I've heard it used a few times but most of my trips have seen it display destinations/ETAs and the TM has done the announcements, similarly on Voyagers. Chances are there isn't a great need (besides DDA) for it to be fitted?

I've been on Pendolinos where the TM has left the automated announcements on for announcing the stations, but done manual announcements for anything else.

Voyagers (XC at least) do have an automated announcement system, but in all my many trips on them I've only heard it used exactly twice, both times for an approaching station. It's a surprisingly deep male voice and it's rather quiet, especially compared to the chime that precedes it.

 

[starrymarkb]

FGW HSTs have a recorded "Will the Guard please contact the driver"