Sums up my frustrations with the Belgian railway system. Hope that one day we can move forward and have a properly working railway system!
* in Belgium
The most important reason for this, is the split between Infrabel and NMBS, which was imposed by EU rules.
I used to work as a signalbox operator for Infrabel. Most of the times I could fairly accurately predict how much time certain safety procedures would take.
Only problem: signalbox personnel is forbidden to contact the ‘treinbegeleider’ directly. Instead, I had to inform an NMBS representative at the signalbox, who would then call central dispatch, who in turn had to inform the treinbegeleider.
Things got lost in translation and it would take ages because the people at central dispatch have several lines to oversee.
Last time we had a major fail the conductor went around the train saying what had happend (some dude had cut a piece of wire and now we had no lights/overgangen didn’t work). She also said we’d probably would be an hour late. Sucks, but good communication. At least I knew more.
Guy next to me: maar allez madam. Ik moet wel mijne bus halen he. Mag ik er hier niet af dan neem ik hier wel een andere bus. (links was er een andere spoorlijn + geluidsscherm en rechts een paar kilometer leeg veld). Allez madam, echt ni? Jama wat is dat hier allemaal zeg. Ge kunt die deur toch open doen of ni?
Dan snap ik dat ze liever niet rondgaan ze. Als ge tegen zo’n idioten nee moet zeggen.
Unfortunately so true.
What I hate most is when announcements in stations tell you to use the app for the most updated information. The info there’s usually more behind.
I don’t even take the train daily, but still feel they stole way too much of my time. It’s not right.
5 comments
Sums up my frustrations with the Belgian railway system. Hope that one day we can move forward and have a properly working railway system!
* in Belgium
The most important reason for this, is the split between Infrabel and NMBS, which was imposed by EU rules.
I used to work as a signalbox operator for Infrabel. Most of the times I could fairly accurately predict how much time certain safety procedures would take.
Only problem: signalbox personnel is forbidden to contact the ‘treinbegeleider’ directly. Instead, I had to inform an NMBS representative at the signalbox, who would then call central dispatch, who in turn had to inform the treinbegeleider.
Things got lost in translation and it would take ages because the people at central dispatch have several lines to oversee.
Last time we had a major fail the conductor went around the train saying what had happend (some dude had cut a piece of wire and now we had no lights/overgangen didn’t work). She also said we’d probably would be an hour late. Sucks, but good communication. At least I knew more.
Guy next to me: maar allez madam. Ik moet wel mijne bus halen he. Mag ik er hier niet af dan neem ik hier wel een andere bus. (links was er een andere spoorlijn + geluidsscherm en rechts een paar kilometer leeg veld). Allez madam, echt ni? Jama wat is dat hier allemaal zeg. Ge kunt die deur toch open doen of ni?
Dan snap ik dat ze liever niet rondgaan ze. Als ge tegen zo’n idioten nee moet zeggen.
Unfortunately so true.
What I hate most is when announcements in stations tell you to use the app for the most updated information. The info there’s usually more behind.
I don’t even take the train daily, but still feel they stole way too much of my time. It’s not right.