IETs at Melksham

[whole diary]

[bobm]

We have talked a lot about the fact IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) on diversion are unable to call at Melksham.   It has been suggested this is because the software hasn't been programmed to allow it.

At Par I noticed the sign below on platform 3 - the one normally used for the Newquay branch.   However there is a route west towards Penzance which I imagine doesn't get used that often for passenger service (at the moment).  However it seems to indicate it could be used by the longer IETs under a special arrangement.



Could this be a possibility for Melksham?  A sign would be a cheaper option that a software upgrade, but are there other factors in play?

[grahame]

Could this be a possibility for Melksham?  A sign would be a cheaper option that a software upgrade, but are there other factors in play?

It shows that where there's a will, there's a way.   Signs of this sort would show that the rail industry / train operators really have thought and care for their TransWilts / Melksham customers, even if they are not used very often.  In fact we don't want them used very often in the short or medium term, because we want the local service to run to timetable!

[IndustryInsider]

There is a difference, albeit a subtle one, between a station in the database with a platform with unusual characteristics and one that is not in the database at all.

The TMS will recognise it's at Par, whereas it would not (currently) recognise Melksham.  As I’ve said before though, a manual door release is perfectly possible where you can choose any individual door on the train to release if you wish.

It’s best practice, where possible, to have the system do it for you rather than the risk the driver selects the wrong doors by mistake as it’s not very often they have to do it.