Train Punctuality Debates

Discussions center on the reliability of train schedules, causes of delays like slow speeds and stops, buffer times, and comparisons to less predictable buses.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Politics & Society
3,040
Comments
19
Years Active
5
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#8518
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

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Keywords

AM e.g ABQ US train trains late station delays minutes run time arrive buses schedule

Sample Comments

amanda99 Jan 25, 2025 View on HN

No, it seems to assume changing trains is instantaneous and trains are waiting for you.

mcguire Jan 8, 2017 View on HN

As long as the trains run on time.

lmm Jun 7, 2015 View on HN

Trains reliably run to timetable. Buses don't.

nicoburns Aug 17, 2021 View on HN

Crazy that the time between trains is measured in seconds

jnty Mar 11, 2016 View on HN

Train companies often put "buffer time" in schedules to make up for predictable delays like this one. That could show up as a train being late at one station then suddenly on time at the next. Could that be it?

Feniks Nov 16, 2017 View on HN

The train system is operating near peak capacity. Any deviation from schedule is going to ruin the entire rush hour. You get miles of traffic jams only with trains.

bluGill Aug 5, 2023 View on HN

It's doesn't matter, it is not acceptable. They should refund everyone if the train is more than 15 seconds late. This is something a train can do with computer control, and good maintenance. A bus is harder to be on schedule for.

selectodude Apr 8, 2018 View on HN

It’s not about the train showing up late, it’s about the train taking a long time to go from stop to stop. People are spending more time on the train due to how slow it’s moving.

demarq Mar 29, 2020 View on HN

he did not get trains to run on time.

xnx Sep 21, 2025 View on HN

Also doesn't account for time waiting for the train, which could be hours late at night.