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

• Canberra Monaro Express – Sydney Central to Canberra and Cooma dividing at Queanbeyan (1955–73 and 1986–88)

Germany

• There are several dividing regional and high-speed trains all over Germany.
• Hanover Stadtbahn: In the evenings and on Sundays the lines 2 and 8 of Hanover's light rail system work with dividing trains. Trains start in Alte Heide as line 2 and divide in Peiner Straße stop. One part continues as line 8 to Messe Nord, the other as line 2 to Rethen. In the other direction, trains reconnect at Bothmer Straße station and run as line 2 to Alte Heide.

United Kingdom

• Birmingham to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli dividing at Machynlleth
• Caledonian Sleeper – London Euston to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central dividing at Carstairs
• London King's Cross to Ely and King's Lynn dividing at Cambridge
• London Victoria to Ramsgate and Dover Priory dividing at Faversham

United States of America

• "Empire Builder" – Chicago Union Station to Portland Union Station and Seattle dividing at Spokane, Washington
• "Lake Shore Limited" Chicago Union Station to Pennsylvania Station (New York) and South Station (Boston)

Reception

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

See also

• Portion working, where trains are coupled for part of their journey but otherwise operate separately