Announcements for passengers

Passenger information at the Zurich dispatching center

On a screen, the passenger-information agent in the Zurich dispatching center can watch the estimated arrival times of each train in Zurich main station (or in another station, if the agent chooses it). The dispatchers, who sit nearby, try to tell the agent about late suburban (S-Bahn) trains early enough to announce the delays on the platform at about the train's scheduled arrival time. The dispatchers can also give announcements themselves from their desks, but usually have no time to do so.

Trains that are less than five minutes late are not announced, as too many announcements would be counterproductive.

The passenger-information agent can also change the platform signs that show where the next train is going. This is usually not necessary, because a system tracks the train number of each approaching train and sets the route signs automatically. Sometimes, however, the agent must set the route signs "manually", by remote control, for example when a train breaks down and must be replaced with one on the opposite track or on another platform.

Passenger information at the Altstetten traffic control center

Besides traffic control, another main function of the Altstetten control center is to inform passengers, especially in case of significantly delayed trains or other irregular situtations.

In addition to train routings, the ZDA (Zugsdatenaufbereitung) database also contains the passenger-information signs on the platforms of each station, for trains appearing in the annual schedule.

If necessary, the operator at the Altstetten traffic control center can alter the pre-programmed passenger information signs on the platforms in stations within the center's territory.

Information for drivers and passengers of connecting buses

At Birmensdorf, traffic congestion often delays the buses that connect with the suburban (S-Bahn) trains. Using an SMS system, an operator at Altstetten can send a text message to the mobile phone of every bus driver.

For example, he can instruct all bus drivers to wait for a late suburban train, or to give special information to passengers. A bus driver can use this same phone to call the Altstetten center, for example, if he is running late, so he can inform his passengers about connections and request that a train wait for his bus.