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Indonesian railway to lower wires to discourage rooftop riders
’ should do the trick.
The Pennsy required 2’ clearance from an energized 11K V wire; can’t find clearance distance from energized 25K or 50K wire, but an outfit that has used the other techniques to discourage the “surfers” probably wouldn’t mind the wire either decapitating or incinerating those in need of Darwin-ian processing.
I think if the oil didn’t work, musicians wouldn’t either. But seriously can’t they just add more trains?
Are they admitting that attempts at safety messages did not work, and as a result they will now see how many they can electrocute or decapitate by lowering the wires? Maybe there is justification for OSHA after all.
Shocking news!
This is the wrong approach to the problem. Instead, they should add more service so there is no need to ride on the roof.
Could it be as simple as: riders on the roof = train doesn’t move? Other riders might then just help solve the problem.
I’ve seen videos of these goofs riding the tops of these cars.
Darwin awards to all of them. It has nothing to do with overcrowded conditions. They leave dead bodies all along the tracks.
This will definitely “discourage” some of them. Once electrocuted that rider will never ride on the roof again.
And I thought when the SP tried, successfully, to discourage passenger service they were being harsh.
These folks do not ride up there due to overcrowding, they are avoiding paying the fare. Lowering the catenary does seem a little drastic, though. And yes, John Mccullagh, it is Shocking (snigger, snigger) news!
Let me join the choir in asking the $64,000.00 question. Why can’t Indonesia run more trains? Or is life worth less over there?
If the oil on the roof, and concrete obstructions didn’t do the trick then maybe these guys really do want to ride up there …
Edmond - Yes, of course, more gov’t is the answer. Can never have too much, after all. It’s clear some number of those fools will ride the roofs regardless of whether or not there are seats in the cars. The railroad can’t afford the money and delays it would require to continually chase them off the roof. Just what exactly would an agency like OSHA do to change it? Slap a bunch of warning labels on the roof “Do not ride above this point. Injury from overhead obstacles could result.” Not unlike the umpteen labels found on every stepladder.
If they keep this up, it will bring a quick end to the over population problems.
Don’t think any of that will work…ticketless travel is the plague of Third World countries’ railroads. If you think Indonesia has problems, check out India bigger and “worser”.
Duck, you sucker!!! They probably like the view from there and probably don’t buy a ticket. Besides the other riders smell real bad!
No plans to run stack trains anytime soon.
WARNING! to touch the overhead wires means instant death! survivors will be prosecuted.
I find the majority of comments here unthinkable from citizens or or residents in a nation that likes to call itself “Christian.” While a few of those “roof surfers” in Indonesia may be young thrill-seekers, surely the presence of people in so dangerous a place as a railway car roof, overhung by catenary or not, is a result of poverty, individual, and national. (More trains and/or more cars on trains may be the answer to the problem, but cars and stronger electrical supply cost money.)