Great Western Coffee Shop

I probably visit Cardiff from Bath two or three times a year, using this service, and did so today. One thing which I have found annoying in the past and which happened again today is this:

The screen shows the train is due on platform two and on time, and when you go to the platform there it is, waiting for you just a little way down. The announcement says the train at platform two is... etc. So you expect to be able to get on the train, but when you walk down to it, you cannot. Apparently it has to move up the platform first.

So why do they announce the train before you can get on it? While I was there, many people did the same as me, assumed the announcement meant we could alight, and tried to.

When I brought this to the attention of the station staff, he pointed to a post saying train not in service. But this is on the wall, not on the screen which everyone looks at, and when you see the train you and head towards it you miss seeing this sign. It seems stupid to me, all that needs to happen is that they do not announce the train until it is ready to be used, and/or say on the screen that it is not ready to use yet.

Just noticed there is a Cardiff to Portsmouth thread, so could the mods move this to there? Apols for that. Would be interested in hearing if others have found this issue annoying.

Done!  ;D

It would be due to the triggering of the automated announcements.   When the train enters platform 2, then the announcement is triggered.  The system cannot distinguish which end it is waiting at.

Yes I've noticed it and I can imagine that for those of limited mobility for any reason (not just disability, but pushchairs, large suitcases etc) it would be annoying. I'm sure people walk down because unless you are absolutely sure then you wouldn't want to chance it and watch the train depart without you.

Exactly. You stand there watching the time going down, and with a minute or two before the train is due to depart you finally crack and walk down, more in panic now, and try to get on. That is precisely what several people did yesterday.