Platform Indicators - South Kensington Area

[londoner]

I'm sure the majority of regular commuters will realize the platform indicators on the WB direction (not sure about EB) is often incorrect with the destinations, although the times appear correct. I also noticed the other day that Gloucester Road can be wrong too.

Anyway, the reason I'm starting this thread is because this has gone on far too long. This isn't just a one off issue. It happens far too much. I'm wondering three things presently:

1) Why is this indicator proving so problematic?
2) Why aren't TFL doing more to try and fix this problem, particularly at such a busy tourist station? Is this something that requires extensive upgrades behind the scenes that just isn't funded? 
3) If the indicators are wrong, why aren't they just turned off and have a member of staff on the platform to read out the destination of the train? Surely this is the best solution if a fix is not possible? 

This is something that bugs me considerably and I wish it was fixed!

[Deleted]

First off what type of Dot Matrix sign is it?

The signs can be switched off but this is usually not done as the switch is up high up on the platform and if this done by the equipment controlling the sign then all of them would go off.

The TD system on the Picc works off what is called CTFS Centralised Train Following System. The idea is simple the TD & train number is tracked with the train from start to finish. This system does go wrong but to reboot it would cause all the info of all the trains to disappear hence this is rarely done during normal operating hours and is left to engineering hours.

[Tom]

Feb 1, 2016 13:19:24 GMT @aetearlscourt said:

First off what type of Dot Matrix sign is it?

They were converted from GEC to VEIDs last year.

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2016 3:25:17 GMT Tom said:

Feb 1, 2016 13:19:24 GMT @aetearlscourt said:

First off what type of Dot Matrix sign is it?

They were converted from GEC to VEIDs last year.

Enough said then newer is not always better

[Tomcakes]

Feb 1, 2016 13:19:24 GMT @aetearlscourt said:

The signs can be switched off but this is usually not done as the switch is up high up on the platform and if this done by the equipment controlling the sign then all of them would go off.

However, there's no need to switch it on - just keep it switched off, as it never shows correct information!

[londoner]

Feb 1, 2016 13:19:24 GMT @aetearlscourt said:

First off what type of Dot Matrix sign is it?

The signs can be switched off but this is usually not done as the switch is up high up on the platform and if this done by the equipment controlling the sign then all of them would go off.

The TD system on the Picc works off what is called CTFS Centralised Train Following System. The idea is simple the TD & train number is tracked with the train from start to finish. This system does go wrong but to reboot it would cause all the info of all the trains to disappear hence this is rarely done during normal operating hours and is left to engineering hours.

The dot matrix sign is this one:

www.stationmasterapp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/southkendmi.jpg

Paul

[Deleted]

The newer and worse version of them