Tube train delays... What exactly do they mean?

[TSR :D]

I've been wondering what exactly do 'delays' on tube train status board mean...

It can't be normal delay as most tube trains are every 3-5 minutes during the weekdays.

If it was delayed, then you would get on the train that was supposed to be earlier but delayed. If it wasn't you'd get on regular train.

I'm confused here.

 

[Eagle]

I've been wondering what exactly do 'delays' on tube train status board mean...

It means your journey on the tube train will take longer than expected.

 

[Laryk]

Bear in mind it's not just trains running later. Normally they are delayed because there is congestion caused by one thing or another so are also slower - meaning there may still be a train every 3-5 minutes but back to back stuck in tunnels.

 

[TSR :D]

So... If 'serious' delay happens in central London, and I travel same tube line from east to further east. I wouldn't be affected by this? It only affects people who are actually going through the place where delays happen?

 

[DavyCrocket]

What they actually mean are:
Severe = change your journey plan
Minor = stick with your journey plan but you'll be late

It is still used as a political tool to make things look better, though now there are new criteria based on each line and section of line. This includes congestion, headways and trains held up. The document is far too complicated to recall and post here!

 

[trentside]

So... If 'serious' delay happens in central London, and I travel same tube line from east to further east. I wouldn't be affected by this? It only affects people who are actually going through the place where delays happen?

When delays occur, it is likely trains will start to be turned short of their final destination. For example, say you're at the east end of the District line, heading towards Upminster - you may find less trains making it all the way through as they will have been turned short at West Ham, Plaistow or Barking. This helps to keep the trains running closer to their booked times and/or to balance the service in the opposite direction.

 

[SS4]

So... If 'serious' delay happens in central London, and I travel same tube line from east to further east. I wouldn't be affected by this? It only affects people who are actually going through the place where delays happen?

In a sense. If you're at Stratford on the Central line and there is a signal failure at Liverpool St (central line) you'll be fine going towards Epping but you'd have trouble getting back since trains would be turned around early to maintain service. You may also find a limited service at each end of the line (say West Ruislip to White City).

In essence it means your journey will take longer if you're on a train or you'll have to wait longer for a train if changing/starting in an affected area. Since the Tube does have an official working timetable you could say it's late in the same way a mainline service is late albeit with more units stuck behind it.

 

[Daniel]

A delay isn't a delay to the booked running but a delay to your journey.

If every train is 15 minutes late, there is no realtime delay, as there is still a regular frequency of trains.

If there is a signal failure, and trains are having to go very slowly through the area, that may be classed as severe delays, even though trains may be on time.

 

[TSR :D]

Ok, I understand, now delays in tube is delay to your time not delay to train.

Some trains may travel short of their destinations due to delays.

Thanks.

 

[DavyCrocket]

Regarding turning trains short, this can be done to reduce congestion through an affected area or to provide a service in the opposite direction. More often than not, the train this is reversed is dependant on where the train operator crew relief is.
There are then various other techniques that can be used to put the train on time.

The train running late vs customer delay can work both ways.