Keeping Track
I have often written about certain oddities that seem to abound in Belgium from door numbers to door bells to lamp posts. And yet, life in the country-that-still-has-no-government is far from being one continuous freak-fest.
Gare Du Midi - Confusing passengers since 1920
One interesting improvement that I noticed the other day is that the announcements at Brussels Gare Du Midi are now being repeated in English. Given that this station welcomes passengers fresh off the Eurostar, it is a small customer-service step that is long overdue. I’m sure that the clumps of befuddled tourists will no longer stare blankly at the tannoy system as rather than French and Flemish, they now have a greater change of understanding instructions.
Of course, this is a relative point because having information piped to you in a language you can understand does not mean that the message will make sense. A few days ago, I was in the station, keeping my eye out for pickpockets when someone with a voice like a less-cheerful Darth Vader started briefing us with a bewildering set of updates. The following all happened within five to ten minutes of one another:
“The train arriving on platform 5 is arriving on platform 3.
The train arriving on platform 4 is arriving on platform 18.
The train arriving on platform 18 is arriving on platform 6.
The train arriving on platform 3 is arriving on platform 11.
I repeat, the train …”
So, full marks for trying but a little more effort is needed …
Heard any confusing announcements recently? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!
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I have had close encounters with this train station before, and found myself way out of my planned stop due to having train station names in either Dutch or Flemmish only. However this problem of station announcements can be rectified by an electronic board system shown on every platform. I can never quite understand any of the station announcements due to departing / arriving trains noises, brakes sounds, closing or opening of doors etc.,
These announcements probably make the station look busy with people moving from platform to platform to catch their train. Or they may be trying out a new free slim-fast experiment!
My brain hurts.
Henry – Electronic boards are in place but the delays are not always placed on the boards … sigh ….
Kevin – that’s actually a good point, make the place seem confusing, erm, busy by sending people to the wrong platform!
Invader_Stu – if you live here, you get used to the constant throbbing at the back of your head!
That’s always the nagging thought at a transportation station – what little qualifying word am I missing (whether in my mother tongue or not)? Chuckled at ‘less cheerful Darth Vader’. I’m thinking that will be my new morning standard; I think I can manage that early in the morning!
Hello Linda, I do worry about that at times and try to ignore the thought since there are some things I just cannot help. I still end up worrying though …