Why aren't trains timetabled so they always connect with other services?

We compile our timetables with great care and experience and look to make as many connections as possible.

There are a huge number of potential connections on our routes. Where we can't schedule them all, we prioritise them according to greatest demand, greatest potential demand and alternative connections.

We also seek to make them achievable and dependable, so we won't timetable very tight connections out of long distance services in some circumstances. We talk to all the other train operators, and we all make changes regularly to make connections. We are always mindful of our regular local passengers.

We'll judge each case individually: it's very often impossible to please everyone, so we try and please the largest number of passengers.