Why is it that trains in the uk have pathetic tiny destination sign at the front....?

Question

so that you always waste your time asking the staff if its the right train.?

would it really cost a fortune and drain the best brains of the land to put the destination in nice big clearly visible letters on the front of the train..so you can see its destination as it pulls into the station?

Answer 1

I know exactly what you mean - and at night it's even worse!

Answer 2

Quite agree! In continental Europe it is normal practice for each carriage of a train to carry a destination board mounted on the side (this can be an electronic display on more modern trains). There is therefore never any doubt exactly where the train you are boarding is going to. This has never been common practice in Britain. Why?! (Though to be fair some new trains are now starting to have electronic displays on the side).

Answer 3

I guess they figure that if trainspotters can see and note their numbers as the train flashes by in a couple of seconds, then someone standing on the platform should be able to spot the destination sign.

Seriously, no idea - but good question

Answer 4

because the train will pull past you (slowly) as it comes in to the station so you can read it then.  If you can't then get your eyes tested!

Answer 5

Because there are announcements and digital departure boards on the platform you are standing on as well as digital progress boards in the train...