LU trains running ahead of time

There may be a current issue with defaulted dwell times generally.

Mantis 31269

That came from reporting a 'terminate & reverse' being done in 20s not the default of variable around 2 mins depending on train length

I'm not sure if it's intentional or not, nor am I precisely sure what kind of instructions Bakerloo Line drivers have with regards to the section shared with Network Rail (or in general to be honest), but most of the LU network is operated as a high-frequency metro service where a steady stream of trains (ideally at regular intervals, it's true) is prioritised over specific, advertised departure times. People don't generally turn up to Underground stations expecting to get a specific train at a specific time (there are exceptions). They simply get on the first one, which hopefully will be along in a few minutes. It's not like turning up to Great Malvern Station specifically to get the 11:55 to Paddington. As such, I understand generally LU trains leave as soon as they're able to. Which isn't to say they won't be held to time at key locations, nor that literally no dwell time at all is particularly realistic at all times of day, but I shouldn't have thought it's especially realistic for LU trains to wait for a specified departure time if they have a clear signal. Indeed LU WTTs don't list times for all intermediate stations.

As much as it may sometime seem like LU don't operate to a timetable, they do on every line including those sections which are shared with NR. The Metropolitan Line also has customers who are familiar with the timetable (as the north end of the line runs a much less intense service) and do indeed turn up at the station for specific services.

I did have both 'Use freight linespeeds' and also 'Can use freight lines' ticked on the F4 menu for the LU train types as I understand this is the work round for the Harrow turnback solution

Having said that, would you disagree with the broad-brush-stroke picture that I paint? Generally (so I gather) an average LU station stop will, if the starter's green, consist of opening the doors, waiting for everyone to get off, and everyone who can get on to get on, closing the doors, and going. And sometimes that can give fairly short dwells. Now I know on the Central they have their countdown timer in the cab and SelTrac has its countdown and all of that, but I shouldn't imagine any Bakerloo Line driver is going to be sitting at Regents Park or Embankment with a green signal waiting for booked departure time, partly because there isn't one in the WTT!