Will DOO Mean DOO on Thameslink?
On Thursday I took a Thameslink Class 700 train from St. Pancras to Blackfriars.
A Class 700 At Blackfriars
At Blackfriars an announcement said that the doors would open automatically.
Which they did without any of the usual intervention from passengers after the driver had released the doors.
This is how DOO works on the London Underground.
It is surely better, especially if you are getting off and your hands are otherwise engaged.
The Anonymous Widower 
Self opening doors are definitely the way to go – so many times I’ve had to put my bags down to press the button! Thank you for your informative train related posts throughout the year – I’ve learnt a great deal from them. Hope you enjoy a Happy Christmas!
Comment by Little Miss Traveller | December 24, 2016 |
I think they may be a bit more sophisticated, than always opening. For instance these trains count passengers, so they may just show the light if the train is empty or at a rural station, where they want to keep the heat in.
Happy Christmas
Comment by AnonW | December 24, 2016 |
Gosh, that is clever!
Comment by Little Miss Traveller | December 24, 2016
My understanding is that the 700 trains are ATO in the Thameslink core – so the train drives itself, including pacing itself to the one in front to avoid stop-start operation and the driver only has to supervise [closing] the doors at stations.
The DfT certainly thought so in 2008 see s8.1 on p10
Click to access rollingstockhighlevespecif.pdf
See also http://www.irse.org/knowledge/publicirsenews/IRSE%20News%20170%20with%20Watermark.pdf p4
Tested http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/test-train-runs-under-cab-signalling-on-thameslink-route-through-central-london
Comment by Mark Clayton | December 24, 2016 |
Trains are getting better!
Although, I’m not keen on the 700s. The Class 387s, they are replacing are much better with tables and seats.
Comment by AnonW | December 24, 2016 |
It’s these sort of ideas, that turn somthing good into something better!
Comment by AnonW | December 24, 2016 |