New New Street

[Bletchleyite]

I really don't know. The supposed reason for it is to allow platforms to clear after arrivals and servicing to take place, then the train to board. But just about every other terminus (other than Lime St[1]) manages to cope with train coming in, lock doors for cleaning, release doors when ready to board, with the numbers already on the board. It seems to hark back to the days when it wasn't feasible to lock all the doors on slammers.

[1] Lime St mostly doesn't do it, but the single platform used by VT is barriered off until ready to board. However this isn't the same dangerous "scrum", as the waiting area runs a long way down the platform.

 

[trainophile]

I really don't know. The supposed reason for it is to allow platforms to clear after arrivals and servicing to take place, then the train to board. But just about every other terminus (other than Lime St[1]) manages to cope with train coming in, lock doors for cleaning, release doors when ready to board, with the numbers already on the board. It seems to hark back to the days when it wasn't feasible to lock all the doors on slammers.

[1] Lime St mostly doesn't do it, but the single platform used by VT is barriered off until ready to board. However this isn't the same dangerous "scrum", as the waiting area runs a long way down the platform.

And everyone queues in an orderly way down the length of the barriers. It's a bit of a bugbear if you wish to wait in the 1st Class Lounge, as you can end up at the back of the queue even though you've probably been at the station longer than most people in front of you.

 

[Bletchleyite]

And everyone queues in an orderly way down the length of the barriers. It's a bit of a bugbear if you wish to wait in the 1st Class Lounge, as you can end up at the back of the queue even though you've probably been at the station longer than most people in front of you.

Yes, it's not an unreasonable way to do it. Similarly at Euston you could implement queueing at the barrier gates using Tensabarriers with the gate to the platform closed, and only opened when the train is ready. Most people wouldn't bother but those who want to would, I reckon.

 

[HowardGWR]

Yes, it's not an unreasonable way to do it. Similarly at Euston you could implement queueing at the barrier gates using Tensabarriers with the gate to the platform closed, and only opened when the train is ready. Most people wouldn't bother but those who want to would, I reckon.

Could not first class pax have 'speedy boarding' arrangements at termini? I appreciate this is not relevant to New St.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Could not first class pax have 'speedy boarding' arrangements at termini? I appreciate this is not relevant to New St.

I suppose they could, though there's less of a case for that as the principle is seat availability is good and they are likely to want to remain in the lounge for as long as feasible.

Pre-boarding allocated seating flights is more about luggage space than much else.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

And everyone queues in an orderly way down the length of the barriers. It's a bit of a bugbear if you wish to wait in the 1st Class Lounge, as you can end up at the back of the queue even though you've probably been at the station longer than most people in front of you.

If VT implemented the unmarked reservations/TMR process I proposed in another thread, First Class passengers could obtain a reservation, selecting their seat, from a machine in the lounge, and relax there knowing it's booked.

 

[trainophile]

I suppose they could, though there's less of a case for that as the principle is seat availability is good and they are likely to want to remain in the lounge for as long as feasible.

Pre-boarding allocated seating flights is more about luggage space than much else.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


If VT implemented the unmarked reservations/TMR process I proposed in another thread, First Class passengers could obtain a reservation, selecting their seat, from a machine in the lounge, and relax there knowing it's booked.

Actually I always have Advance 1st tickets when this applies, so it's not so much worrying about getting a seat as I have one reserved, but finding luggage space can be a bit of a problem. Also the long shuffle up the waiting line with its stop-start progress, especially when tickets are being checked at the gate.