Tram request stops

[JoeGJ1984]

I've bben on the Croydon Tramlink and know that they use request stops - you press a button if you want to get off at the next stop (similar to on buses). I don't think you need to stick out your hand if you want to get on though (I presume the driver just stops if he sees anybody).

However, I don't think I've ever seen a tram skip a stop! Is the system of request stops actually used? You'd think that when going out to Wimbledon/Beckenham Junction, etc. there'd be a few minor stops that would be lightly used and likely to be skipped, but they don't seem to be.

Has anybody experienced the Croydon Tramlink skipping a stop? Do all the other modern tram systems in the UK use request stops? Do they ever skip stops?

 

[Mike395]

Seen stops being skipped a few times outside the peaks - not often but it does happen

 

[lyesbkz]

Do all the other modern tram systems in the UK use request stops? Do they ever skip stops?

The Supertram in Sheffield uses request stops, and stops are often skipped when the button isn't pressed and there is nobody waiting at the platform.

 

[tsr]

I've used the system a few times and I assumed that those buttons were for less busy times, but I've never known a skipped stop. I should think changing the timings might be an issue in such circumstances, since some areas are bottlenecks and the running has to stick to a fairly strict timetable as a result. There are also certain areas, such as the Wandle Park Flyover, that require particular speeds to be maintained within a fairly tight limit (as with most railways, of course).

I can't recall any signage about this either on the trams or at the stops.

 

[JoeGJ1984]

I can't recall any signage about this either on the trams or at the stops.

Well, I think there is a sign on the door to press the button to request a stop, which is also the button to open the doors. Other stop buttons are on the posts, in a similar style to on buses. And there is a 'Stopping' sign on the trams that lights when you press the button (again, a similar style to on buses).

 

[WestCoast]

Croydon Tramlink, Sheffield Supertram and Nottingham Express Transit all use request stops I think. They have stop buttons fitted.

Manchester Metrolink stops at all stations. It reflects the fact that the Metrolink is arguably more like a light rail metro, rather than a traditional tram system. Midland Metro is the same I believe.

 

[Badger]

Midland Metro stops at every stop yes. It keeps it on time for one thing. How do you know when your tram is going to arrive if you don't know how many stops it's skipped beforehand?

 

[Mojo]

Midland Metro stops at every stop yes. It keeps it on time for one thing. How do you know when your tram is going to arrive if you don't know how many stops it's skipped beforehand?

Presumably the same way you know when a bus is going to arrive.

 

[WatcherZero]

You build in more space to be late just before timing points?

 

[tbtc]

Midland Metro stops at every stop yes. It keeps it on time for one thing. How do you know when your tram is going to arrive if you don't know how many stops it's skipped beforehand?

Sheffield Supertram timetables only show the main stops (like a bus timetable), e.g. the stops which all trams stop at - Terminus, Hillsborough, University, Cathedral... they generally stop at all city centre stops but skip past a few suburban ones (esp off peak).

 

[dvboy]

From experience, trams in Nottingham stop only if a bell is rang; trams in the West Midlands stop at every stop.

 

[bus man]

The Supertram in Sheffield uses request stops, and stops are often skipped when the button isn't pressed and there is nobody waiting at the platform.

when supertram opened the trams stopped at all stops regardless of need , it was changed and works very well if you want to get off you press bell , if there are people on platform then they stop. It was found that the overall running times were about the same as drivers could allow more time for disabled to get on as they had the time they had saved .


All stops on the net work are request however at some they will have to stop (but doors will remain closed if no one about) for signals / lights ie fitzalen sq and castle sq are examples of this