Dividing train


A dividing train is a train that separates into two trains partway along its route, so as to serve two destinations.

Operation

On the initial leg of its journey, the train is driven as normal by a single crew. At a designated station before a junction, the train stops and some of the cars are detached, with passengers or goods still on board. The front part of the train then departs to run the remainder of its route. A second train is then formed from the detached cars, the points are changed at the junction, and a new crew drives the train on a different route to a second destination. Where the train is formed of multiple units – self-contained trainsets with their own propulsion and driving cabs – two or more units work in multiple on the first leg. After detachment, the second crew drives in the trailing unit's front cab.
On the return journey, the two trains may join at the same station where they divided. Special signalling is required at the station, both to recognise the division of the outbound train as intentional, and to allow the two inbound trains to enter the same block. The British rail network uses a draw ahead signal for the latter.

Examples

Australia

Dividing trains operate on several lines on the British railway network, commonly in the south of the country. To ensure consistent journey times, the front part of a dividing train usually becomes the rear of the returning service when it reunites.
In addition, some services discard carriages part-way along the route, & pick them back up on the return journey. This may be because a portion of the line has short platforms at a number of its stations, or because of demand being much higher on one section than another.
RouteFromDividing atDestinationRemarks
Arun Valley line or Front part non-stop to, then major stations to On Sundays calls at all stations to & divides there.
Arun Valley line or Rear part most or all stations to On Sundays calls at all stations to & divides there.
Caledonian Sleeper Front part to
Caledonian Sleeper Rear part to
Caledonian Sleeper Front part to
Caledonian Sleeper Middle part to
Caledonian Sleeper Rear part to
Cambrian Coast LineFront part to Both parts call at, but use separate platforms & therefore must divide one stop earlier.
Cambrian Coast LineRear part to Both parts call at, but use separate platforms & therefore must divide one stop earlier.
Caterham line
Tattenham Corner line		 Front part to Colloquially known as the "Cat & Tat". Was the most common service pattern on the branches from Purley before resignalling work made them an extension of the Brighton Main Line local tracks.
Caterham line
Tattenham Corner line		 Rear part to -
Chatham Main LineFront part to
Chatham Main LineRear part to
Fen lineFront 4 carriages to all stations to
Fen lineRest of train discarded at Cambridge
South Western Main Line or Front 5 carriages to Most Dorset stations beyond Bournemouth have short platforms, while as far as Poole the train forms the principal express service on a heavily-trafficked line.
South Western Main Line or Rest of train to or Most Dorset stations beyond Bournemouth have short platforms, while as far as Poole the train forms the principal express service on a heavily-trafficked line.
West of England Main LineFront part to
West of England Main LineRear part to

United States of America

Dividing trains are sometimes seen as a pitfall for the unwary traveller.