Trains.com

Explaining things to the Passengers .. This was a good idea

1402 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by M636C on Friday, January 4, 2019 5:00 PM

The New South Wales Government Railways issued a small booklet called "Railway Quiz" which I think was aimed at school children. This provided useful facts in a question and answer format.This included illustrations of signal indications (upper and lower quadrant semaphore and multiple light and single light colour light indications). I think other signs and mileposts, half and quarter mileposts were illustrated.

My favourite pair of facts was that the shortest tunnel and the deepest cutting had the same measurement, 132 feet.

I reaslise that this was never issued in metric measurements so  was not reissued after 1973 when these were adopted in Australia. I think the last issue may have been 1965.

Peter

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Friday, January 4, 2019 1:30 PM

What a brilliant idea that was!  I can't see anyone doing that now, it'd take away from the "bottom line."

Hey Selector, we had a similar saying in the Marines, "You can't BS the troops!"

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Friday, January 4, 2019 12:57 PM

This is always a good policy, and one often forgotten or dismissed by later teams and leadership.  Informed people are usually more contented, relaxed, patient, and more easily mollified during extraordinary occurances.  Just ask the airlines recently chastised for making people sit in aircraft that has yet to push back, clearly hours behind schedule.

We had this drilled into us in the military.  Don't pee off the troops!!!  Keep them informed if only so that they can be better prepared for what's coming.  Keep them informed so they know they can take a nap with impunity and due regard to mutual safety and vigilance.  And so on....

Generally, people respond positively when they receive expressions and acts of good will.  A simple explanatory card left on a seat, or handed out with tickets or during boarding, of this nature will keep people busy acquiring useful information, and give them the impression that the culture of the institution is one that regards its service and clientelle positively.  

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Explaining things to the Passengers .. This was a good idea
Posted by Miningman on Thursday, January 3, 2019 9:05 PM

Does anyone do this anymore? Or is all in the fine print, legal and lawyer language. 

Great idea, shows the commitment to comfort and service. Simple but very informative. Would have loved this as a kid! Then watched for all the signs while in motion and the workers at stops. 

Steam era, the 6400 Northern 'cameo' shows pride and strength. 

Cameo pamphlets explaining operations 1951-52

 

Cameo 

Old Time Trains Archives 

Small pamphlets handed out to passengers travelling by train. 

Cameo 13 explaining road signs along the tracks. 
Original size 3 1/2" x 6 inchesIt 

centrefold

back

Cameo 17 explaining What are We Waiting for? 

centrefold 

back

 

 

   
     

 

 

 

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter