28/11/19 2B73 0852 EXM > BNP Delayed & Overcrowded

[whole diary]

[Bob_Blakey]

As usual I used the service between DIG & EXC. The service was provided by a single Class 150/2 which, given that this is the first Off-Peak Exeter-bound train, is probably not very sensible (GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) did the same thing a fortnight ago).
On arrival at DIG the service was 7 minutes late due, you will not be surprised to learn, to being held at Topsham waiting for a late running Exmouth-bound train (2F11 which started from EXD^» (Exeter St Davids - next trains) on time but was delayed by 6 minutes at SJP). It was also full & standing to the extent that boarding & alighting of passengers at POL & SJP was rendered difficult. Further delay was also incurred by a 'brief stop and chat with the signaller' - that's how it was announced over the train PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) - at the signal immediately east of POL resulting in the train being 11 late arriving at EXC.

Looking at RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) it appears that a problem with the signalling could have been the cause of a series of Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line delays but I cannot find any reports to that effect.
 
Footnote: While on P3 for my 2F19 EXC 1053 > DIG 1058 train home I noticed two uniformed police officers waiting - possibly for the late running 2T11 - at the bottom of the P2 stairs so perhaps there was something else involved.