Reopening train doors

Because the frequency of tube lines is so high if drivers did this there would soon be blocking back and therefore delays all over the line, so it is certainly not encouraged.

I've had this happen once at Kennington, changing from a Bank branch train to a Charing Cross train. Saw the Charing Cross train sitting in the platform, doors open, as my Bank train pulled in. I was waiting at the right set of doors for a cross passage, so as soon as my train's doors opened I was across to the CX train. Just as I got onto the platform, the door beeps sounded. I know better than to rush at that point, so I stopped short and shook my head - so close! The T/Op must have been looking at his CCTV because he opened the doors, waited another 5 seconds then closed them again.

Bit naughty given the signal was green, but I appreciated it. (Unless he had a door problem and had to open them anyway!) Gave a thumbs up to the CCTV cameras when I got off at Waterloo, hope he saw it!

I know it may sound harsh, but I don't think that drivers should re-open doors, unless there is a very good reason for doing so. I say this because it gives passengers the idea that all drivers will do it, and thus may encourage them to run at doors as they are closing. I 've often seen passengers just miss a train, and then look annoyed when the driver does not re-open them. If no driver ever did it, then people would soon get the message.

I'm not sure I follow you here. I can categorically state that there is no slack to allow for slow departures from Hammersmith - I can't speak for the Picc, but on the District we depart Hammersmith in both directions in parallel (ie, as fast as the train can accelerate); especially westbound as we go uphill!!

Whilst we're at Hammersmith, I never wait to connect with a Picc on the westbound if I've already done so at Barons Court.

More generally, Londonstuff is spot on; re-opening the doors isn't something that is encouraged, unless of course there is an obstruction or the driver realises their signal is still red

We're more likely to re-open for runners at the extreme ends of lines (lower frequency of service) or if it suits (running early) - but usually only if the runner has made a reasonable effort. I ain't waiting for someone who makes the hand gestures but doesn't back it up with moving their legs vigorously.

During the peaks, forget it. You will only get a re-open if there's an obstruction or the stick's still red. The only exception will be some terminals in the morning peak - Wimbledon on the District can be a nightmare as its just a constant stream of people coming onto the platforms. Richmond isn't too bad and at Ealing a central line train arriving at the wrong time is all it takes to hinder a clean one shot close of the doors.

And as for Mile End - if I'm early or on time and a Central appears, I'll probably re-open and wait.........but if I'm running late......

Fair point

It's happened a few times when I've come onto the EB platform at West Kensington via the staff exit. Driver has seen me arrive on the platform and the doors have re opened!

Ahh this reminds me when I was a wee nipper back in the 90s and my Nan and I would be out on the trains for the day. We would usually start at Edgware and return to Canons Park. If we rocked up to a crew operated train (usually a 59) the guard would let us in his door and move his bar so we could pass down into the saloon. I used to love using the 59 stock and although thought the 72s looked smarter they weren't as nice.

On the flip side I used to open the doors on the 83 stock at EVERY station! Bet I was popular as a 10 year old.....(The Jubilee was deserted in those days - lovely)

It happened a few times going Westbound in the peaks. I managed to run before the driver closes the doors though. Some drivers do it at certain stations and platforms, Shepherd's Bush Market WB is a good place, the driver can see you running up the stairs.

Not in the UK, but I remember once in the Paris suburbs when I was going down the stairs onto a suburban RER station just as the train had actually started to move. As the steps were at the very end of the platform, the driver could clearly see me and he stopped and opened the doors to let me in.