TFL Correspondence

An exceptionally aggravating experience at Hampstead station on Saturday night prompted me to write to TFL this morning, which reminded me of another email I sent TFL in February but never got around to publish. I had just started making a list of funny excuses for line and station closures and wanted more information about the "trespasser on the train" excuse. So here it goes:


Sent: 17 February 2009 09:13
To: enquiry.tube; Enquire (TfL)
Subject: Trespassers

Dear TFL,

I have for some time been somewhat puzzled and intrigued by this
announcement you sometimes here on the tube: x line is suspended/delayed
due to a trespasser on the train. I'm not even sure I am hearing this
correctly - it seems so strange. Could you please explain what a train
trespasser actually is? Is it simply someone with out a ticket? And how
come it's such a security risk you have to suspend a line?

Much grateful for a reply.

Kind Regards

Little Miss Sunshine



dateSat, Feb 28, 2009 at 4:12 PM
subjectRE: Trespassers Our ref: 1002993758

Our ref: 1002993758
Date: 28.02.2009

Dear Little Miss Sunshine
Thank you for your email regarding our terminology. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to you. The actual term is 'tresspasser on track', This means an unauthorised person is on the tracks where trains run. This is a serious safety concern as the person could be struck by a train, as such the traction current (electricity) must be switched off in that section of the line and services suspended until the person is removed.

I hope I have answered your question. Please contact me again if you need any help in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Angharad Jennings-Slater
Customer Service Advisor
Customer Service Centre



As you can see the actual "excuse" is fair enough, it is only when it is used by illiterate tube workers that it becomes confusing.

I shall publish my latest email and accompanying story as soon as I receive the reply from the Customer Service Centre!

Happy tubing!