Behind the scenes 16 April 2025
4 minutes

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

The signalman releases the route for the train no later than 35 seconds before the departure time.

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 Conductor


30 seconds before departure, the conductor’s familiar whistle sounds to alert customers to the imminent departure of the train.

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.

The Train Driver

Upon arrival at the designated platform, the driver prepares the train for departure 12 minutes before the scheduled time.

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.

Customers 

Customers can also contribute to ensuring trains depart on time:

  • Before boarding, let other customers disembark first. This speeds up the boarding and alighting process, ensuring the planned station stop time is not exceeded.
  • Arrive at the station a bit earlier. Other customers do not have to wait for latecomers, which delays the train’s departure.
  • Inform yourself before the journey. Board the train relaxed and well-informed (departure time, departure platform) via the CFL website or CFL mobile app. Completely stress-free and without the risk of last-minute sprints.

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

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