London Banter - View Single Post

Colin Rosenstiel · October 28th 03, 01:46 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article , (Roland
Perry) wrote:

In message
, Colin
Rosenstiel
There is also deliberate misinformation at Kings
Cross regarding the destination of certain trains. They announce
"Foxton" when the train actually goes to Cambridge. In all cases they
appear to believe that the level of misinformation is justified in
the Great Scheme Of Things.

This is done for the benefit of clueless tourists heading for Cambridge
who would otherwise catch the xx.06 to Cambridge only to be overtaken
by the non-stop xx.15.

We know *why*, but it's still deliberate disinformation!

Disinformation is a bit strong. Confusing yes. Maybe when they get screens
which give more information they will give the full explanation.

No so long ago they advertised the xx.06s as to Cambridge. They obviously
got so much confusion that they thought it better to revert to the
previous arrangement. I've certainly spoken to confused tourists at
Cambridge.

Unfortunately the same trick can't be done in the opposite direction.

Can't they announce that the stopper is for Finsbury Park?

Not so effective. You get to Finsbury Park quicker via the Cross using a
Travelcard, for example.

Loads of Cambridge station staff are employed full time herding
tourists.

Yes, life would be so much easier for the railways if they didn't have
all those pesky customers.

Better still if the information systems made things clearer. A "next fast
train to London" indication all over the station might be more effective
than a "next Cambridge Cruiser" only in the booking hall, for example.

--
Colin Rosenstiel