On Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:58:08 +0100
Paul Corfield wrote:
Indeed. But if systems in this country were run continental style it would
be one in - one out. As soon as a train terminates another heads off. But
for some reason we can't seem to manage that here except on the DLR. The
fact that that is computer controlled rather than relying on drivers probably
says it all.

I can't think of that many lines which run like that. The only real
"in and out" service I have seen was the VAL automated metro in Lille.

Rennes is similar. But I was thinking of the Kiev Metro. A the terminus the
train arrives, reverses in the headshunt then pulls in to the outbound
platform and leaves. It doesn't wait at all and its all manually driven.
I couldn't imagine that happening in the UK - it would require decent
timekeeping and workers prepared to put in an effort and not run crying to
bob crowe every 5 mins.

impressive I found the tiny trains to be too small and I really

Yes, they are only suited to small towns really. But at least they have
them. Over here we'd still be arguing about the cost of installing a miserable
little tram line in a city the size of lille, never mind a bored tunnel metro.

wondered how they'd deal with an on train fire in the tunnel sections.

One would hope the trains are made of fireproof materials!

Sorry I wasn't clear. I meant high levels of punctuality / timekeeping
performance. Not high performance as in travelling at Ferrari like
speeds ;-)

If there was a decent service on the ELL I suspect many more people would
use it as a way to cut out zone 1 on a trip to/from canary wharf via canada
water. Which is what I used it for. In the event it would have been quicker
just to stay on the jubbly line to green park and get the victoria line.

B2003