Panicking passengers force "HIJACKED" train to stop

[whole diary]

[Btline]

Passengers have taken it to a new level, according to a shocking story by the Metro (which I read today - if there is a link, please post it)

Apparently the service was diverted and a fuming passenger pulled the communication cord. Once the train had screeched to a halt, he proceeded to run down the tracks despite staff pleading with him not to.

Angry passengers, who slammed FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) for holding them hostage, then prised a set of doors adjacent to the platform open and marched off the service.

It turns out the service was just diverted, and was being run round the Sutton Loop the other way round. What a dangerous thing to do! Better communication FCC? Perhaps people have switched off due to the plethora of unnecessary safety announcements...

_{* Forgive me if a few details are off, I'm sure someone can find the article}

[lordgoata]

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/888776-panicked-rail-passengers-force-hijacked-train-to-stop

[Chris from Nailsea]

The comments which have been posted on the Metro site in response to that particular article are quite revealing ... 

[inspector_blakey]

I don't even know where to start with this one, so rather than a long, tedious, forensic dissection of each individual asinine act in that sorry saga, all I'll say is one word. Clowns.

[Trowres]

Clowns?

To whom do you refer, IB?

Leaving aside the actions of the passengers for a moment, I'd just like to point out that this isn't the first time that the railway industry seems to have treated passengers with less concern for their state of mind (and sometimes body) than it ought.

Once upon a time, all trains had a guard, and there was a fair chance of a concerned passenger being able to find them. What options are available now except the emergency handle? Even when there is a gu...conductor, they can be hidden behind a locked door.

As for using a mobile phone to contact the rail operator; anybody tried it out of hours?

[eightf48544]

Can't quite make out what went on?

Why would you run a train missing stops direct to Sutton?

What was booked route what was diversionary route?

[grahame]

Can't quite make out what went on?

Why would you run a train missing stops direct to Sutton?

If you're coming out from London Bridge via Tulse Hill, there are three ways the train can take to Sutton

via Wimbledon
via West Croydon
via Mitcham Junction

As far as I can make out, there was some sort of issue on the booked route / southbound track, so the train was being sent to Sutton via another of the routes and then back along the Northbound track to make all of the stops but in the reverse order.  But that message didn't reach the comprehension of all of the passengers for whatever reason.

[eightf48544]

Thought it must be something like that.

I know the St. Helier loop well being ASM^▸ (Assistant Station Master) at Sutton for a while. When St Helier worked 3 wire block, Mainline was Sykes Lock and Block and Epsom Down Tylers 2 wire. Never got the hang of the 5 block bells at Sutton.

Actually grahame I've just remembered there's a 4th route via The Screaming Alice and the Jolly Sailor. interesting that in semaphore days virtually every train from Tulse Hill to Crystal Palace went under Warning, Line clear junction blocked. Tulse Hill was one of the places where actual Warning Signals were fitted under the Starter.

Seems to be very bad communication by the driver and/or Guard. Faulty PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context)?

As for pasenger actions, I think once the train had stopped at a platform, I think I would be tempted to pull the green handle and alight. Not sure i'd get onto the track too much respect for the third rail, practical Health and Safety.