Re: Enough is enough (Melbourne).
Iming Chan (translib@netspace.net.au)
Wed, 21 May 1997 16:41:17 -0700
Paul Dwerryhouse wrote:
>
> pshute@melbpc.org.au (Peter Shute) writes:
>
> >On 19 May 1997 12:45:28 GMT, paul@xenu.ee.mu.oz.au (Paul Dwerryhouse)
> >wrote:
>
> >>This is getting *incredibly* annoying. Four weeks (probably more, I've
> >>lost count) of cancelled, late, redirected, non-existent trains in
> >>Melbourne.
> >>Does anybody ever foresee a train arriving on time again?
>
> >However, with the trains I catch anyway, over the last week some
> >normality has returned. About 3/4 of my trains are arriving with
> >almost frightening precision - with 20 seconds or less of the
> >scheduled times. Not all of them mind you, but enough that I haven't
> >missed any connection in that time.
>
> >Obviously you aren't experiencing this. What lines do you use?
>
> Ringwood line. Right in the middle of both peak times, unfortunately.
> I've managed to spring a train that changed from an express to a stopping
> all stns Box Hill -> Camberwell two working days in a row now (Friday &
> Monday) as well as being 4 to 5 mins late every day last week. Admittedly
> when they are this far out of sync it shouldn't really matter, but they tend
> to get crowded when there's been a long gap.
>
> Trains outbound were a little better tonight, although still around 2-3 mins
> late (around 6.20pm). Must stop setting my watch to the nearest second,
> I guess...
>
> Still, I do wonder if low morale should be a valid excuse - sounds vaguely
> like passive industrial action. I'm sure transport workers would endear the
> public a little more if they refused to collect fares or something...
>
Paul and Peter,
You should also consider turnaround time allowed at Flinders Street.
Unfortunately, this sort of information is only found in the Met Trains
Metropolitan Working Timetable (W.T.T. for short) which I have a copy.
Generally speaking, turnaround time during peak hours is around 3-4
minutes, though some trains only have 2 minutes! You see, majority of
the DOWN (going away from Flinders St.) trains are formed by an UP
train. If an UP train is running, say 5 minutes late, the DOWN train it
forms after reached Flinders Street, will obviously running late.
Without knowing the exact train you are talking about, I cannot provide
the turnaround time allowed. However, the Alamain/Belgrave/Lilydale
line trains generally have 2-4 minutes turnaround time. Finally,
allowances also have to be made for expected events, such as signal
failures, accidents, vandalism, etc.
Whilst the Met Trains may have a few hiccups here and there, Melbourne
commuters should spare a thought for those travelling on the CityRail in
Sydney. Apparently, the much publicised suburban timetable introduced
since November 1996 is not up to expectation. According to the May 1997
issue of the "State Rail Way to Go" (monthly publication for State Rail
exmployees), "... we are all aware, State Rail has not been operating a
good service over the last few months. ... In June we will replace the
timetable that was introduced last November. We will return to the
previous timetable, with some modifications. The current timetable
tried to achieve too much and has never worked properly. David Hill
(Chief Executive)" -- p. 2.
Cheers,
I.C.