Greetings.

One of the biggest differences I've noticed between continental rail
systems (such as the Deutsche Bahn) and British rail systems is that for
the former, the station platforms individual trains use are consistent.
The platforms are assigned so far in advance that they're printed not only
on advance tickets but also on station posters and printed timetables. In
fact, there will often be a poster on each platform with timetables of the
trains that call at that platform (and that platform only), along with a
map showing where each individual car stops along the platform. This
allows those with reserved seats to walk to within a few metres of where
their seat will be long in advance of the train pulling into the station.

Contrast this with what is typically observed at London rail stations: the
passengers aren't informed of their train's platform in advance, even for
regular commuter services. This means that, much of the time, the entire
ticket hall is packed with people standing and staring at the departure
board, waiting for the platforms to be announced. This makes the station
difficult to walk through. Once a platform is announced (often only a few
minutes before the train departs), everyone waiting for that train suddenly
rushes to the departure gate, resulting in a queue and further congestion.
Then everyone with a seat reservation scrambles to find the correct car.
All this must be a nightmare for those with reduced mobility and/or heavy
luggage.

What is it about British railway stations that prevents them from assigning
platforms to trains in advance, as it is done elsewhere? Is any work being
done to fix this problem?

Regards,
Tristan

--
_
_V.-o Tristan Miller Space is limited
/ |`-' -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In a haiku, so it's hard
(7_\\ http://www.nothingisreal.com/ To finish what you