Delay avoidance or lack thereof

James Howard · 06-10-2014, 19:31

As we enter into leaf-slip season in earnest, the 1905 to Sligo has spent the first of many lengthy delays sitting in Killucan waiting for the 1800 from Sligo. This has been going on for as long as I've been commuting (10 years) and I'm sure for many years before. So, I've have quite a long time to ponder the question, but why should it ever be necessary to sit in Killucan for 25 minutes to wait for a crossing when it is a mere 13 km (about 8 minutes run time) from Mullingar.

Are the signalling systems too crude to be able to allow trains to use such opportunities to avoid delays or is it just that nobody can be bothered to notice such things and allow the on-time train to proceed?

I'm sure there are many such places on the single-line network where there are relatively short distances between crossing points that would allow much better on-time performance.

Jamie2k9 · 06-10-2014, 20:50

Nobody can be bothered to manually clear the train. They system usually operate automatically and any changes must be made by staff. Thats how most systems work in UK. Given such a shot gap to the next crossing its completely un acceptable.

They have such a stressful job, how could we ever expect them to use there heads and consider the custmers.

Honestly its unlikely to change unless you complain more than once. I got them to change before but it took months and that was usually less than 15 mins.

As for wheel slip its really driver training as some drivers deal with it much better than others.

James Howard · 30-10-2014, 20:34

Another 20 minute wait in Killucan this evening. It is just absurd the way the up-train gets priority when it is carrying about 10% of the load. It also has much more opportunity to recover time without affecting passengers as the majority of its passengers are heading for the final destination while most of the load of the 1905 will have left by Longford.

Jamie2k9 · 30-10-2014, 22:52

Could they of had a valid reason today?, possible back log from evening peak:

Quote:

Delays to Sligo services

30 October 2014

Delays to Sligo service due to level crossing damage

Delays of 30 minutes to Sligo services can be expected due to a road vehicle damaging a level crossing at Ballymahon.

Staff are on site and working to rectify this damage as soon as possible.

This website will be updated as further information is made available.

Iarnód Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

http://www.irishrail.ie/news/delays-to-sligo-services

James Howard · 31-10-2014, 08:48

I can't imagine the previous train would have been that late so has not to have cleared Mullingar in time. They had tweeted 30 minute delays at about 1PM so they should have eased by the evening peak and there would have been further updates if anything had been delayed by more than an hour.

The 1805 is one of the more timely trains on the Sligo line - it's just a pity it is formed with commuter cars.

06-10-2014, 19:31	#1
James Howard Really Really Regluar Poster Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sligo Line Posts: 1,115	Delay avoidance or lack thereof As we enter into leaf-slip season in earnest, the 1905 to Sligo has spent the first of many lengthy delays sitting in Killucan waiting for the 1800 from Sligo. This has been going on for as long as I've been commuting (10 years) and I'm sure for many years before. So, I've have quite a long time to ponder the question, but why should it ever be necessary to sit in Killucan for 25 minutes to wait for a crossing when it is a mere 13 km (about 8 minutes run time) from Mullingar. Are the signalling systems too crude to be able to allow trains to use such opportunities to avoid delays or is it just that nobody can be bothered to notice such things and allow the on-time train to proceed? I'm sure there are many such places on the single-line network where there are relatively short distances between crossing points that would allow much better on-time performance.

06-10-2014, 20:50	#2
Jamie2k9 Really Really Regluar Poster Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 2,146	Nobody can be bothered to manually clear the train. They system usually operate automatically and any changes must be made by staff. Thats how most systems work in UK. Given such a shot gap to the next crossing its completely un acceptable. They have such a stressful job, how could we ever expect them to use there heads and consider the custmers. Honestly its unlikely to change unless you complain more than once. I got them to change before but it took months and that was usually less than 15 mins. As for wheel slip its really driver training as some drivers deal with it much better than others. Last edited by Jamie2k9 : 06-10-2014 at 21:00.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

30-10-2014, 20:34	#3
James Howard Really Really Regluar Poster Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sligo Line Posts: 1,115	Another 20 minute wait in Killucan this evening. It is just absurd the way the up-train gets priority when it is carrying about 10% of the load. It also has much more opportunity to recover time without affecting passengers as the majority of its passengers are heading for the final destination while most of the load of the 1905 will have left by Longford.

31-10-2014, 08:48	#5
James Howard Really Really Regluar Poster Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sligo Line Posts: 1,115	I can't imagine the previous train would have been that late so has not to have cleared Mullingar in time. They had tweeted 30 minute delays at about 1PM so they should have eased by the evening peak and there would have been further updates if anything had been delayed by more than an hour. The 1805 is one of the more timely trains on the Sligo line - it's just a pity it is formed with commuter cars.