London Banter - View Single Post - "This train is being held here awaiting signal clearance"

MIG · July 25th 06, 10:07 AM posted to uk.transport.london

wrote:
I've noticed this message being announced a lot in the last couple of
months or so whenever a train is stationary for more than a couple of
minutes (both on South Eastern and SWT). I know it's good that they
have instructed drivers to communicate with passengers, but surely this
doesn't actually tell anyone anything? The real question is why the
signal is red despite the train being on time (e.g. late train on other
branch, etc.).

Still, as the average train traveller probably barely knows signals
exist, judging by the generally unaware behaviour of many of my fellow
passengers*, maybe this is providing useful information after all...

Patrick

* My personal favourite being loud platform announcement "This train is
going to CHARING CROSS", combined with in-train sign "CHARING CROSS",
plus in-train announcement "This train is going to CHARING CROSS",
followed by passenger asking of fellow passengers, "Is this train going
to Charing Cross?".

More important than why the signal is red; what is the chance of the
cause being removed in the near future?

But all the information systems are based on where trains are, not on
where they are likely to go. Like when a broken down train at a place
deemed to be three minutes away continues to be shown as expected in
three minutes.