Don't run Announcements
 

We seem to be getting announcements every ten minutes
on the tube advising us to take water with us and not to
travel while unwell. It's amazing we've survived the last
100 years on the Tube going to work without 2 litres of
Perrier :-) Sensible announcement, or complete ******** ?

My main point though is how about announcing the dangers
of running on the underground ? At least once a year I get
some kid (usually about 19 and wearing a track suit) do the
rush goalie bit, trying to get on the Piccadilly line at Kings X.

Now I'm built like the proverbial outhouse and have more than
my fair share of inertia. So the usual result is that the kid hits
me, gets badly winded and ends up going back 2 feet in the
direction they came from. This happened Friday, and he was
apologising profusely in between fighting for breath.

I did what I usually do. Make sure he's OK and tell him the
error of running on the underground. "If I had been a little old
lady, I'd be on the way to intensive care" I say. But it shouldn't
be me telling him this. It should be the announcers on the
underground !

So come on guys, less ******** about water, and more about
real problems !!
--
Edward Cowling - London - UK

Don't run Announcements
 

In message , Edward
Cowling writes
snipped

So come on guys, less ******** about water, and more about
real problems !!

I often make announcements about running across the platforms especially
when they may be slippery and walking too near the edge; it's all part
of managing the PTI
However, I wonder how many people actually take any notice.
--
Kat

Don't run Announcements
 

Kat wrote:
In message ,
Edward Cowling writes
snipped

So come on guys, less ******** about water, and more about
real problems !!

I often make announcements about running across the platforms
especially when they may be slippery and walking too near the edge;
it's all part of managing the PTI
However, I wonder how many people actually take any notice.

It would help if more were audible, which they aren't at many stations,
though the new systems are much better, e.g. Earl's Court.

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines don't leave any items unattended no smoking
anywhere on the underground let customers off the train first mind the
gap drink lots of water good service on all lines use all available
doors move right down inside the car this train is ready to depart
please stand well clear of the closing doors mind the doors good service
on all lines ...

--
Richard J.
(to e-mail me, swap uk and yon in address)

Don't run Announcements
 

"Richard J." wrote in message
...
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines

LOL That's a good one!
--
Everything above is the personal opinion of the author, and nothing to do
with where he works and all that lovely disclaimery stuff.
Posted in his lunch hour too.

Don't run Announcements
 

"Edward Cowling" wrote in
.uk:

We seem to be getting announcements every ten minutes
on the tube advising us to take water with us and not to
travel while unwell. It's amazing we've survived the last
100 years on the Tube going to work without 2 litres of
Perrier :-) Sensible announcement, or complete ******** ?


They could always install speed cameras.

Don't run Announcements
 

Edward Cowling wrote:
My main point though is how about announcing the dangers
of running on the underground ?


No running, no diving, no petting, no pushing

Don't run Announcements
 

"Kat" wrote in message
...

So come on guys, less ******** about water, and more about
real problems !!

I often make announcements about running across the platforms especially
when they may be slippery and walking too near the edge; it's all part
of managing the PTI
However, I wonder how many people actually take any notice.

Sadly I think you're right. I just think the elderly and infirm
must have a hell of a time of it on the underground these days.

I remember seeing "Take care while you're rushing about" posters
a few years back, but nothing lately.

--
Edward Cowling - London - UK

Don't run Announcements
 

"Richard J." wrote in message
...
But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good

"Services on the Victoria line are normal" is my own
favourite. It either means the service is so bad normally
that a decent service requires an announcement, or that
normal service is the long waits we're all used to :-)

The worst though is the North London Line, or Silverlink
as they laughingly call it. Every late train is announced with
an apology..... and most days that's a very long list. I can
see someone taking an axe to the speakers pretty soon.

--
Edward Cowling - London - UK

Don't run Announcements
 

"Stuart" wrote in message
...
Edward Cowling wrote:
My main point though is how about announcing the dangers
of running on the underground ?


No running, no diving, no petting, no pushing

No Petting !! We're need some perks for travelling
on the tube. I love the advert for the London Dungeon
that goes "How would you like to be crowded in
a small area in the dark, with no idea where you're
going"...... Hey I travel on the Victoria line, every
day is like that :-)

--
Edward Cowling - London - UK

Don't run Announcements
 

"Edward Cowling" wrote in message
.uk...

"Richard J." wrote in message
...
But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good

"Services on the Victoria line are normal" is my own
favourite. It either means the service is so bad normally
that a decent service requires an announcement, or that
normal service is the long waits we're all used to :-)

The worst though is the North London Line, or Silverlink
as they laughingly call it. Every late train is announced with
an apology..... and most days that's a very long list. I can
see someone taking an axe to the speakers pretty soon.

Aren't trains always 15 minutes apart? In which case a train running 15
minutes late is unnoticable.

--
Everything above is the personal opinion of the author, and nothing to do
with where he works and all that lovely disclaimery stuff.
Posted in his lunch hour too.

Don't run Announcements
 

"Kat" wrote in message
...

I often make announcements

Not you who tells us there is a good service running on xxxxx line and when
one gets to platform level you find there isn't a train due for 14 minutes I
hope. ;-)

(Last happened to me at Charing Cross Northern Line about 2pm 10 August
2004.)
--
Malcolm

Don't run Announcements
 

Paul Weaver wrote:

"Edward Cowling" wrote in message
.uk...

"Richard J." wrote in message
...

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good

"Services on the Victoria line are normal" is my own
favourite. It either means the service is so bad normally
that a decent service requires an announcement, or that
normal service is the long waits we're all used to :-)

The worst though is the North London Line, or Silverlink
as they laughingly call it. Every late train is announced with
an apology..... and most days that's a very long list. I can
see someone taking an axe to the speakers pretty soon.


Aren't trains always 15 minutes apart? In which case a train running 15
minutes late is unnoticable.

Not on Sundays, when I last used the NLL... about 10 mins late one way
and cancelled the other way.

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London

Don't run Announcements
 

"Edward Cowling" wrote ...


I just think the elderly and infirm
must have a hell of a time of it on the underground these days.


On the buses too.

There is so much concentration on making life easier for wheelchair users,
that the elderly and infirm who are still able to walk with difficulty have
been almost completely sidelined with very high steps within buses up to the
narrow seating areas.

Just one or two seats low down marked for their use and far too many people
in need of them.

(not just in London - all over)

Don't run Announcements
 

"Henry" typed

On the buses too.

There is so much concentration on making life easier for wheelchair users,
that the elderly and infirm who are still able to walk with difficulty have
been almost completely sidelined with very high steps within buses up to the
narrow seating areas.

Just one or two seats low down marked for their use and far too many people
in need of them.

Too true! The few useful seats there available are frequently occupied
by people who could *easily* go elsewhere, but I have to ask them for a
seat, most embarrassing!

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

Don't run Announcements
 

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 11:03:24 GMT, "Richard J."
wrote:

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines don't leave any items unattended no smoking
anywhere on the underground let customers off the train first mind the
gap drink lots of water good service on all lines use all available
doors move right down inside the car this train is ready to depart
please stand well clear of the closing doors mind the doors good service
on all lines ...

I'll probably get sacked for saying it but I agree.

I absolutely hate the incessant broadcasting of messages. I change at
Kings Cross and if I need to wait for a Piccadilly Line for more than 30
seconds I can guarantee to have heard the same messages at least 3 times
during my connection.

I also feel like screaming when "good service" is repeatedly announced
and it is obvious that there hasn't been a train for 5 minutes and the
indicator is saying "next train 8 minutes". We (LUL) really have an
enormous amount to learn in order to get messages correct and in context
all of the time. I'm afraid I also have the cynical reaction of the
original poster to "The Victoria Line is working normally" announcement
- proves I'm human I suppose.

I do like the line based notice boards as you enter through the ticket
gates that allows you to very quickly assess what is going well and what
isn't. Most stations do well in keeping those up to date IME.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!

Don't run Announcements
 

Paul Corfield ) gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying :

I absolutely hate the incessant broadcasting of messages. I change at
Kings Cross and if I need to wait for a Piccadilly Line for more than 30
seconds I can guarantee to have heard the same messages at least 3 times
during my connection.

Try using Baker St first thing in the morning or after about mid-evening.
No announcements whatsoever, so as not to annoy the poor little delicate
sausages who live near by.

I can see the point of view of those who've been living there since before
the station was built, but the rest of 'em can bloody lump it. If they
don't want station sound effects, they shouldn't have moved next to a
station.

Grrr.

Don't run Announcements
 

Helen Deborah Vecht wrote to uk.transport.london on Mon, 16 Aug 2004:

Just one or two seats low down marked for their use and far too many people
in need of them.

Too true! The few useful seats there available are frequently occupied
by people who could *easily* go elsewhere, but I have to ask them for a
seat, most embarrassing!

I've noticed, though, that most people will happily get up if they are
in a priority seat and someone else needs it. And I've seen someone get
up and the person they got up for firmly refuse their offer...

I have now reached the age when people will occasionally stand up for me
in the Underground - I don't know whether to be flattered or wonder if I
really look *that* old!
--
Annabel - "Mrs Redboots"
(trying out a new .sig to reflect the personality I use in online forums)

Don't run Announcements
 

In article , Paul Corfield
writes
On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 11:03:24 GMT, "Richard J."
wrote:

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines don't leave any items unattended no smoking
anywhere on the underground let customers off the train first mind the
gap drink lots of water good service on all lines use all available
doors move right down inside the car this train is ready to depart
please stand well clear of the closing doors mind the doors good service
on all lines ...

I'll probably get sacked for saying it but I agree.

I absolutely hate the incessant broadcasting of messages. I change at
Kings Cross and if I need to wait for a Piccadilly Line for more than 30
seconds I can guarantee to have heard the same messages at least 3 times
during my connection.

I also feel like screaming when "good service" is repeatedly announced
and it is obvious that there hasn't been a train for 5 minutes and the
indicator is saying "next train 8 minutes". We (LUL) really have an
enormous amount to learn in order to get messages correct and in context
all of the time. I'm afraid I also have the cynical reaction of the
original poster to "The Victoria Line is working normally" announcement
- proves I'm human I suppose.

I do like the line based notice boards as you enter through the ticket
gates that allows you to very quickly assess what is going well and what
isn't. Most stations do well in keeping those up to date IME.

I fully agree about the boards by the ticket barriers - most useful and
almost always up to date. There is a commitment amongst front line staff
to try and improve things and the announcements do help but there is an
American or Canadian lady SA at Baker Street who gives out constant
messages by bellowing into the platform mic - it's just too much!!
--
Andrew
Electronic communications can be altered and therefore the integrity of this
communication can not be guaranteed.
Views expressed in this communication are those of the author and not
associations or companies I am involved with.

Don't run Announcements
 

"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 11:03:24 GMT, "Richard J."
wrote:

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines don't leave any items unattended no smoking
anywhere on the underground let customers off the train first mind the
gap drink lots of water good service on all lines use all available
doors move right down inside the car this train is ready to depart
please stand well clear of the closing doors mind the doors good service
on all lines ...

I'll probably get sacked for saying it but I agree.

I absolutely hate the incessant broadcasting of messages. I change at
Kings Cross and if I need to wait for a Piccadilly Line for more than 30
seconds I can guarantee to have heard the same messages at least 3 times
during my connection.

Can you pass on those comments to the Quality Service Information team
please as it appears they only seem to hear them 30% of the time on a 15
minute survey please?


I also feel like screaming when "good service" is repeatedly announced
and it is obvious that there hasn't been a train for 5 minutes and the
indicator is saying "next train 8 minutes". We (LUL) really have an
enormous amount to learn in order to get messages correct and in context
all of the time. I'm afraid I also have the cynical reaction of the
original poster to "The Victoria Line is working normally" announcement
- proves I'm human I suppose.


I doubt if those who work on stations and are being told to put out these
messages need to learn much. Marketing and Publicity comissioned a survey of
'customers' and the results of what they wanted are being heard every 30
seconds! The "Good [whatever time of day] ladies and gentlemen" was added by
senior management as it's seen as polite, especially in the US. I hope
nobody is saying there is a 'normal service', it's a 'good service'! I do
like the National Rail 'perturbed service' for disruptions though!

I do like the line based notice boards as you enter through the ticket
gates that allows you to very quickly assess what is going well and what
isn't. Most stations do well in keeping those up to date IME.

Known as "Howard's boards" after a certain director...

Don't run Announcements
 

In article ,
Annabel Smyth wrote:
I have now reached the age when people will occasionally stand up for me
in the Underground - I don't know whether to be flattered or wonder if I
really look *that* old!

Post a link to a picture, and we'll run a poll.

:)


--
You dont have to be illiterate to use the Internet, but it help's.

Don't run Announcements
 

Annabel Smyth typed


Helen Deborah Vecht wrote to uk.transport.london on Mon, 16 Aug 2004:


I've noticed, though, that most people will happily get up if they are
in a priority seat and someone else needs it. And I've seen someone get
up and the person they got up for firmly refuse their offer...



Yebbut I *don't* look old! I do look wobbly (but not everyone looks or
notices) and quite a few of the priority seat signs seem to be
missing...

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

Don't run Announcements
 

"Annabel Smyth" wrote in message
...

I have now reached the age when people will occasionally stand up for me
in the Underground - I don't know whether to be flattered or wonder if I
really look *that* old!

It's when old ladies stand up for you that you need to start worrying,
Annabel.
--
Terry Harper, Web Co-ordinator, The Omnibus Society
75th Anniversary 2004, see http://www.omnibussoc.org/75th.htm
E-mail:
URL: http://www.terry.harper.btinternet.co.uk/

Don't run Announcements
 

In message , Adrian
writes
I can see the point of view of those who've been living there since before
the station was built, but the rest of 'em can bloody lump it. If they
don't want station sound effects, they shouldn't have moved next to a
station.

Do you suppose there's anyone living there that's been there since
before the station was built?!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG, Birmingham, UK
Registered "Blue Badge" Tourist Guide for
London & the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk

Don't run Announcements
 

"Annabel Smyth" wrote in message
...
Helen Deborah Vecht wrote to uk.transport.london on Mon, 16 Aug 2004:

Just one or two seats low down marked for their use and far too many
people
in need of them.

Too true! The few useful seats there available are frequently occupied
by people who could *easily* go elsewhere, but I have to ask them for a
seat, most embarrassing!

I've noticed, though, that most people will happily get up if they are
in a priority seat and someone else needs it. And I've seen someone get
up and the person they got up for firmly refuse their offer...

I have now reached the age when people will occasionally stand up for me
in the Underground - I don't know whether to be flattered or wonder if I
really look *that* old!

You think that's worrying????????

When I was doing my Army basic training at Pirbright I had been home for the
weekend and was on the Bakerloo to Waterloo. I was stood by the door when a
delightful young lady of about 9 stood up and offered me her seat. I was 19
and the fittest I've ever been (before or since), as her Dad observed, it
did shake me somehwat.

Don't run Announcements
 

Ian Jelf ) gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying :

I can see the point of view of those who've been living there since
before the station was built, but the rest of 'em can bloody lump it.
If they don't want station sound effects, they shouldn't have moved
next to a station.

Do you suppose there's anyone living there that's been there since
before the station was built?!

Precisely.

Don't run Announcements
 

"Piccadilly Pilot" typed


When I was doing my Army basic training at Pirbright I had been home for the
weekend and was on the Bakerloo to Waterloo. I was stood by the door when a
delightful young lady of about 9 stood up and offered me her seat. I was 19
and the fittest I've ever been (before or since), as her Dad observed, it
did shake me somehwat.

Yebbut she was well brung-up and you were an adult. She'd no doubt been
told to stand for grown-ups.

They don't train them like that anymore sigh

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

Don't run Announcements
 

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 20:18:55 +0100, "Robin Mayes"
wrote:


"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 11:03:24 GMT, "Richard J."
wrote:

But the main reason why people don't take any notice IMHO is because
there are just too many announcements. It's a continual stream: good
service on all lines don't leave any items unattended no smoking
anywhere on the underground let customers off the train first mind the
gap drink lots of water good service on all lines use all available
doors move right down inside the car this train is ready to depart
please stand well clear of the closing doors mind the doors good service
on all lines ...

I'll probably get sacked for saying it but I agree.

I absolutely hate the incessant broadcasting of messages. I change at
Kings Cross and if I need to wait for a Piccadilly Line for more than 30
seconds I can guarantee to have heard the same messages at least 3 times
during my connection.

Can you pass on those comments to the Quality Service Information team
please as it appears they only seem to hear them 30% of the time on a 15
minute survey please?

I thought they had been disbanded? I suspect the issue is that the
concept is heartily endorsed at very senior level but that few people
dare raise a murmur of criticism about the execution of the concept.
The art of commenting will be to appear fulsome in praise of the idea
but to provide constructive criticism where needed. I appreciate that
communication is not perfect and the knowledge of what is wrong can be
hard to disseminate quickly but even so!

I doubt if those who work on stations and are being told to put out these
messages need to learn much. Marketing and Publicity comissioned a survey of
'customers' and the results of what they wanted are being heard every 30
seconds! The "Good [whatever time of day] ladies and gentlemen" was added by
senior management as it's seen as polite, especially in the US. I hope
nobody is saying there is a 'normal service', it's a 'good service'! I do
like the National Rail 'perturbed service' for disruptions though!

The Vic Line messages can be different to those on any other line. Not
yet heard the perturbed service but it does conjure up certain images.

I do like the line based notice boards as you enter through the ticket
gates that allows you to very quickly assess what is going well and what
isn't. Most stations do well in keeping those up to date IME.

Known as "Howard's boards" after a certain director...

Oh - you live and learn. They have a mock up of the new electronic
version in the reception at 55 Broadway.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!

Don't run Announcements
 

Annabel Smyth wrote:
Helen Deborah Vecht wrote to uk.transport.london on Mon, 16 Aug 2004:

Just one or two seats low down marked for their use and far too many
people
in need of them.


Too true! The few useful seats there available are frequently occupied
by people who could *easily* go elsewhere, but I have to ask them for a
seat, most embarrassing!

I've noticed, though, that most people will happily get up if they are
in a priority seat and someone else needs it. And I've seen someone get
up and the person they got up for firmly refuse their offer...

I offered my seat to an elderly lady on the 49* a few months ago -
"would you like to sit down?" (said as I was getting up). Reply, in a
distinctly unpleasant tone: "Of course I would! These seats aren't for
you youngsters you know!!".

It caught me quite off-guard and I've been much more hesitant about
offering seats to people since that. Actually I tend to just stand now
anyway, especially on the tube.

* Incidentally, the 49 is desperately in need of double deckers! It's
jam-packed for large portions of the day, as has the 328 been when I've
used it. If Ken sets up the congestion charge extension I hope he
increase frequency and/or capacity of some of these routes. The 74 gets
pretty busy now too, especially at Marble Arch towards Hyde Park Corner
(already run with double deckers).

And as for the C1... despite its tortuous route, it's incredibly popular
between South Kensington and Victoria (via Knightsbridge and Sloane
Square!!) and the tiny Optares just can't cope. Double deckers would be
reasonably well-used on this part of the service, let alone single deckers.

I'd advocate a couple of new routes between South Kensington and
Victoria and appropriate onward destinations at each end, via
Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner or via Sydney Street and then the 11
route.

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London

Don't run Announcements
 

Dave Arquati wrote:

* Incidentally, the 49 is desperately in need of double deckers!

As it happens I was on a 49 last night, and saw a notice on the bus
announcing that double deckers would be introduced soon. London
United's website says the change will happen on 4 September 2004.
--
Richard J.
(to e-mail me, swap uk and yon in address)

Don't run Announcements
 

Richard J. wrote:
Dave Arquati wrote:

* Incidentally, the 49 is desperately in need of double deckers!


As it happens I was on a 49 last night, and saw a notice on the bus
announcing that double deckers would be introduced soon. London
United's website says the change will happen on 4 September 2004.

Hooray! Thanks for the info - I haven't been in London for two months
now and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms... :-)

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London

Don't run Announcements
 

On Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:55:09 +0100, Dave Arquati wrote:
I offered my seat to an elderly lady on the 49* a few months ago -
"would you like to sit down?" (said as I was getting up). Reply, in a
distinctly unpleasant tone: "Of course I would! These seats aren't for
you youngsters you know!!".

The 49 goes through Chelsea before reaching civilisation of Olympia and
Shepherds Bush :D Chelsea's full of snooty people :p

Don't run Announcements
 

On Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:55:09 +0100, Dave Arquati wrote:


* Incidentally, the 49 is desperately in need of double deckers! It's
jam-packed for large portions of the day, as has the 328 been when I've
used it.

Both are being converted to double decks at present. First have also
converted the 28 and 31 which are associated with the 328 service as
part of the new tender.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!

Don't run Announcements
 

Paul Corfield wrote:
Oh - you live and learn. They have a mock up of the new electronic
version in the reception at 55 Broadway.

Havent been to 55 Broadway for ages.. do they still have those funky
clocks in the lobby?
--
To reply direct, remove NOSPAM and replace with railwaysonline
For railway information, news and photos see http://www.railwaysonline.co.uk

Don't run Announcements
 

Paul Corfield wrote:
On Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:55:09 +0100, Dave Arquati wrote:



* Incidentally, the 49 is desperately in need of double deckers! It's
jam-packed for large portions of the day, as has the 328 been when I've
used it.


Both are being converted to double decks at present. First have also
converted the 28 and 31 which are associated with the 328 service as
part of the new tender.

Very good news. I hope the spacing between buses (on the 49 at least)
improves as a result!

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London

Don't run Announcements
 

In message , Robin Mayes
writes

I doubt if those who work on stations and are being told to put out these
messages need to learn much. Marketing and Publicity comissioned a survey of
'customers' and the results of what they wanted are being heard every 30
seconds! The "Good [whatever time of day] ladies and gentlemen" was added by
senior management as it's seen as polite, especially in the US.

I assume the "Ladies and Gentlemen" bit was to make the messages more
personal than the former "Customers are advised...."
--
Kat

Don't run Announcements
 

In message , Paul Corfield
writes
On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 20:18:55 +0100, "Robin Mayes"
wrote:


I do like the line based notice boards as you enter through the ticket
gates that allows you to very quickly assess what is going well and what
isn't. Most stations do well in keeping those up to date IME.

Known as "Howard's boards" after a certain director...

Oh - you live and learn. They have a mock up of the new electronic
version in the reception at 55 Broadway.

I don't care how we present the service information as long as it's
accurate.....
--
Kat

Don't run Announcements
 

On Wed, 18 Aug 2004 19:03:56 +0000 (UTC), Joe
wrote:

Paul Corfield wrote:
Oh - you live and learn. They have a mock up of the new electronic
version in the reception at 55 Broadway.

which I noticed today has been respositioned so that the public can see
the display not just those visiting / working in 55.

Havent been to 55 Broadway for ages.. do they still have those funky
clocks in the lobby?

Yep - I think they are a listed feature as 55 Broadway is a listed
building. I don't see them being removed any time soon.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!