Train glitch sees commuters ending up at the wrong station

Nov 8 2012 by Camilla Goodman, Buckinghamshire Examiner

NEW trains that cost £1.5billion have a ‘glitch’ that sometimes result in commuters being taken to the wrong station.

Passengers riding on the new S Stock Metropolitan line trains may not end up in the destination they thought they were heading for after the trains were found to be experiencing a software glitch.

Commuters have got on what is advertised as a Chesham train only to end up in Amersham without warning and vice versa.

Transport for London (TfL) has said it is working with Derby-based Bombardier Transportation, which makes the trains, to resolve the issue.

Chairman of the Federation of the Metropolitan Line Users’ Committees Anthony Wood said: “It’s one of the teething troubles but it’s being sorted out because 37 are going back to Derby [for major works] and 21 for modification to sort out the teething problems.

“It’s pretty rare, it only happens to about five per cent of journeys but I’m pleased it's being sorted.”

Co-founder of campaign website MetTimes, Ian Bartlett, from Chesham, said: “I hadn’t heard this but I know there’s been some issues with them and they’re sending them back.

“It would be an inconvenience to end up somewhere else to where you thought you were going, it’s not terribly helpful. I will certainly make sure I watch where they are going.

“I’m pleased they are sending them back to get them sorted.”

Mr Bartlett thinks the drivers should do more to warn commuters if the destination has changed.

He added: “I think if the drivers can’t really rely on the boards they should be making announcements manually until they are sure the glitch has been fixed.”

Spokesman for TfL Tracey O’Brien said: “We’re aware there has been a glitch with the digital destination boards software and are working with Bombardier Transportation to resolve this as soon as possible.”

A total of 191 S Stock trains costing £1.5billion are being delivered by Bombardier Transportation to replace trains on the Metropolitan, District and Hammersmith and City and Circle lines.