I heard once that prior to the Sydney Olympic games, running times were increased in order to reduce the chance of a stuff-up at such an important time.

If so, then the rot set in, and the slower the expected speeds, the slower the drivers go, some of whom still can't keep up, so times are increased yet again to maintain on-time running (and create the illusion of a punctual operation).

Brisbane periodically adds running time, which is sure to be swallowed up sooner or later by habitual slow running.

Regards,

On 22/12/2012, at 9:53 AM, Tony Prescott wrote:

> --- InTramsDownUnder@..., Richard YOUL <tressteleg@...> wrote:

> >

> > As a teenager travelling around by train largely for fun, I found the Sydney Underground fascinating.

> >

>

> My main memory of the single deck stock is that they'd come roaring into the platform full tilt like a metro train and then accelerate out, not quite as fast (because they didn't have the power-to-weight), but a long way from the slow creep that today's Cityrail trains have been programmed for. The double deck trains did that for a while too till the "great slowdown" occurred.

>

> cheers

> Tony P

>

>