H00: Teamwork for Greater Punctuality

Punctual as a Train. More than 1,000 trains run daily on the Luxembourg rail network. On average, nine out of ten trains were punctual in 2024. This is quite remarkable in a European comparison, but not good enough for us at CFL, as we aim to continue improving.

Key Points:
•	9 out of 10 trains were on time on average in 2024. The CFL aim to improve this further.
•	Many different colleagues are involved to ensure a train departs on time.
•	Besides the expansion and renovation of the rail network, good coordination and synchronization are of particular importance.
•	Detailed coordination among the involved parties helps in achieving better punctuality.
•	Customers can also contribute to making trains more punctual.

Punctuality: Teamwork 

At CFL, punctuality is clearly a team effort. To ensure a train departs exactly on time, a whole range of employees is needed. Similar to an orchestra, it is important to coordinate the interaction of all different actors and avoid delays through clear processes.

Many customers measure the quality of CFL services by the criterion of punctuality. In addition to large-scale infrastructure works to expand and optimise the rail network (see also: Videos: We work for your mobility of tomorrow), our employees work hand in hand to improve this important performance criterion.

For example, data on delays are regularly and consistently analysed, delay origins identified, and precise, department-specific action plans established. Punctuality, like safety, is firmly anchored in many different areas of the company. Each employee can contribute concretely to more punctuality through their behaviour. The H00 project aims to reduce small delays through clear, coordinated processes that can quickly add up over the course of the day.

H00: Departure! Exactly on Time 

• The Dispatcher

To ensure the train departs exactly on time, the dispatcher ensures the train is at the platform 12 minutes before departure. During this time, the driver and signalman remain in contact. At least one minute before the actual departure, and after the driver has reported that the train is ready for its journey, the dispatcher ensures that the route is prepared for the train and its destination (switches, signals, etc.).

• The Train Driver 

Two minutes before departure, they inform the signalman that the train is ready to depart. 35 seconds before departure, the signalman gives the literal green light. With all doors closed, all conditions are met for an on-time departure.

• The Conductor

20 seconds before departure, and if all safety requirements are met (doors are clear, the journey has been released), the conductor closes all train doors except the one they are in, which they close 10 seconds later.

• Customers 

Read also: How the CFL ‘Passenger Vocabulary’ are making your train journey easier