New Platform Markings at Reading

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

Stuving - this still does not explain the zone numbering on platforms 4, 5 and 6. I don't think they are being used yet.

I'll look out for someone from Wokingham with a tape measure when I'm next passing through.....

I'm not sure there needs to be a specific intention to use them - just an instruction to put zone numbers on all platforms. I presume the pitch was required to be 20 or 26 m appropriately, so P4/5/6 should have either 1-12 or 13 at 20m (nominal length 268 m). I did mean to watch out of the window as we departed to see what happened up at the end - and predictably forgot.

Zones on platforms 4-6 will be used when two trains are in the platform.  So, "This will be the front train only" will become "this will be the train in Zones 4-6".  Front train only was always a tricky one as of course when you walk onto the platform you could argue the one in front is the one nearest to you.

[bobm]

Of course it had to happen.

"Please stand in zone 4"

[SandTEngineer]

When I next go to Reading I'll be listening out for the Twilight Zone then......

[ray951]

Zones have recently been added at Oxford, although this is the first time I have seen them in use.
Although they seem like overkill for a 2 car 165.
What is the point of the carriage letters and why E and D?

Notice the error as this service is standard class only and more than likely the train doesn't have any 1st class seating.

[grahame]

Zones have recently been added at Oxford, although this is the first time I have seen them in use.
Although they seem like overkill for a 2 car 165.
What is the point of the carriage letters and why E and D?

Notice the error as this service is standard class only and more than likely the train doesn't have any 1st class seating.

For when the trains are used as 5 cars on the Cardiff - Portsmouth service, the three car units are A-B-C and the 2 cars are D-E.

We are getting used to announcements about First Class on TransWilts trains too.  And while at places like Chippenham it might feel like overkill, it does at least help people to know where on the 10 car platform the 2 carriages will be stopped.

[bobm]

Of course it had to happen.

"Please stand in zone 4"

I can see a trend developing here...

[eightonedee]

I was somewhat surprised to see today that zone markings have appeared at Romsey.

I assume the longest trains here might be 5 car Turbo sets on the long distance GW^▸ (Great Western) trains, but does Romsey have passenger information systems to support zonal announcements (and are they necessary here?)