Through Shinkansen stopping for train entering line

[Densha]

I don't know how often this actually happens, but this is the first time I've seen a through Shinkansen stopping to let a 'local service' train enter the line first. At first impression it doesn't seem like a very logical thing to do. The video was recorded at Utsunomiya.

 

Edited June 13, 2016 by Densha

[railsquid]

I'd bet this is a result of timetable disruption following some sort of incident. The video doesn't give any details, but there was a ca. 30 minute stoppage on June 4th following a suspected bird collision; the station announcement in the video mentions a train scheduled at 17-something, and the incident occurred at 17:35, so it could well be that.

 

http://mainichi.jp/articles/20160605/ddm/041/040/112000c

[utrainia]

I can't quite make it out, but is the local train an e3 leading an e2? The e3 looks considerably taller than the e2, yet I always thought the e3s were smaller. Perhaps what they lack in width they make up for in height??

 

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[Densha]

I think the through train is an E5+E6 on Hayabusa+Komachi service, while the local is an E3+E2 on Tsubasa+Yamabiko/Nasuno? service.

[bikkuri bahn]

That's a H5 Hayabusa and Komachi service, probably Hayabusa/Komachi #29.

[JR 500系]

Strange how the faster through Hayabusa service is stopping for the slower Yamabiko service... Perhaps the Yamabiko is very delayed in schedule and needs to make up lost time? The faster H5 + E6 set can cope with the stop through its faster acceleration and top speed?

[Densha]

That this was caused by a delay in the schedule is almost a given, but I just don't understand why they don't let the Hayabusa zoom by to let the Yamabiko enter the line afterwards. E2/E3 also have a lower maximum speed (275 km/h) than the H5/E6 (320 km/h), which means that the Hayabusa will probably be delayed quite a lot, whereas the extra delay for either train should have been reduced to a minimum by letting the Hayabusa go first. But I guess we don't know all factors that resulted in this choice of the control center.

[railsquid]

I'm not an expert in railway operations by any means, but the impression I get with various railway companies is that where possible they prefer to maintain the timetable sequence, rather than dynamically rewrite the whole thing and deal with trains which are all out of running order. Maintaining connections could be another reason, it's possible passengers may be expecting to transfer between trains (and have seat reservations) at one of the following stations.

[bikkuri bahn]

My experiences also jibe with 'squids impressions.  I think keeping trains in sequence, despite the delays, makes it less confusing to passengers waiting for their train.  Once you start running trains out of sequence, the possibility of passengers getting on the wrong train increases, plus station staff have to give out complicated announcements and clarifications. Different situation, but on a day of heavy snowfall in Tokyo several years back, I happened to be on the Keikyu Line.  Trains were heavily delayed, but the railway kept all trains running at reduced speed, but still in the sequence of the regular timetable.  The electronic passenger information indicators above the platforms were shut off.

Edited June 15, 2016 by bikkuri bahn

[Jensen]

I agree with railsquid and bikkuri bahn. 

 

That is what is happening in EU (well UK+France+ Germany+ Swiss+Belgium+ Holland) where I been to and seen it happen. Due to platform shortage and switching tracks the platform and eta of the train changes constantly. I used to travel daily in Birmingham New Street (UK) I often see people running everywhere due to platform changes and heard people has boarded the wrong train (people that don't look at the latest passenger information or at the train display of destination and stops).

 

I think its a matter of culture and management on what to do on delays. In UK we have a huge problem with level crossing, Network Rail got blamed when a pair of teenage girl cross it with flashing lights and siren. 

Edited June 17, 2016 by Jensen

[nah00]

 

I think its a matter of culture and management on what to do on delays. In UK we have a huge problem with level crossing, Network Rail got blamed when a pair of teenage girl cross it with flashing lights and siren. 

 

Not to be heartless, but I have a phrase for things like this: play stupid games, win stupid prizes. 

[Drunkenclam]

Needless to say the report yesterday of the man losing his life on the Gatwick Express by sticking his head out of the window of a moving train. Its the drivers I feel sorry for.

Edited August 9, 2016 by Drunkenclam