London Banter - View Single Post - Southern Metro platform extensions (was TfL grant LOROL 2 year extension)

Spyke · February 27th 13, 08:33 PM posted to uk.transport.london

On 26/02/2013 21:35, wrote:

Infamously, Meridians (like Voyagers) don't have a corridor
connection between the two units.

Some FCC slows from Cambridge to the Cross do that, even using 317 units
that do have corridor connections. An 8-car leaves Cambridge with the back
unit locked out and stops at stations to Royston with only the front 4-car
unit occupied. At Royston they open up the back unit.

SWT do it on their 8-car 458 worked Aldershot-Waterloo via Ascot services.

The corridor connection is only available for staff use, and due to the
short platforms at Frimley, Camberley and Bagshot, the rear unit is
locked out of use until Ascot.

Unfortunately, this often leads to passenger confusion at Ash Vale, as
it has an 8 car platform and the 4 unlocked cars are at the opposite end
of the platform to the station entrance. The PIS doesn't make it clear
where you need to stand so unsuspecting passengers are often caught out.
Many guards will wait for passengers to run up the platform, but I've
seen quite a few left behind!