Restrictions for stops?

[CorkALVIN]

Originally Posted by sean

However, to prevent people using the long distance trains as a "rat run" between Manhattan and Fordham, where their own local services or the Subway would be more appropriate, the stops carry restrictions, marked in the timetable as "Stops to Recieve passengers only" for trains leaving Grand Central, or "Stops to discharge passengers only" for trains going in.

Here in England there are several examples of such restrictions, particularly at major stations just outside London, such as Watford Junction, where many long distance trains which make this stop, including trains serving Holyhead for the Irish Ferries and sleeper trains to/from Scotland permit boarding only outward from London and Alighting Only on inbound journeys from London.

The idea of Dublin-Belfast trains perhaps at a future date stopping at Howth Junction would make sense if there was eventually a DART link from Howth Junction to Dublin Airport (Much more useful and cheaper to build than the much-delayed Metro line). Potentially, Intercity trains could even travel via Dublin Airport as well if such a route was built.

[dowlingm]

Bus Eireann do operate some "setdown only" stops so it shouldn't be THAT hard for people to understand the concept - whether they choose to cooperate is another matter

Would probably only work on new services as people like what they're used to...

Fare differentiation between commuter and express (as on High Speed 1) would be an option but again works against current expectations.

[comcor]

Originally Posted by dowlingm

Bus Eireann do operate some "setdown only" stops so it shouldn't be THAT hard for people to understand the concept - whether they choose to cooperate is another matter

It's much easier to control who gets on a bus though.

Boarding passengers have to pass the driver.

The bus won't even stop if there is nobody waiting to get off.

If the train stops in the station and opens it's doors, anyone can get in.

The only possibility I can think of to prevent it is dedicated platforms, but that would seem and expensive solution to the problem.

[dowlingm]

Could put RPU at the exits...

[Mark Gleeson]

This makes no sense and adds a further level of complexity for passengers

If we had a network with 4 tracks yes you could introduce this arrangement and separate services. But this practice makes life difficult for passengers, reduces the opportunity for connections.

The only location where it is likely to become a real issue is Hazelhatch.