Why do people ask for train times on here?

Question

Don't they do a search on google???

Train times are available on other sites and you don't have to wait for the answers!!! For gods sake people, use your heads and stop being so bloody thick!

CosmicMo - How can it have something to do with the points system? When you ask a question, you lose points!!!!!

Answer 1

because they are just plain stupid!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

A search on google will merely throw up sites that will give those times. You have, therefore, to know how to use those sites. which may not always be obvious. Sometimes, also, people may feel unsure about getting the information themselves and ask here as a belt and braces exercise. I admit that I usually answer such questions when they relate to UK journeys for, as a railway buff, I like to know myself. For example, yesterday a question was posed about a journey from Penzance (in Cornwall) to Thurso (in Northern Scotland). It's the longest rail journey you can take in the UK and I was interested to know, as much as the answerer does, how long it would take and how much it would cost. I learned, whilst researching the answer that the journey could be done relatively cheaply if you book far enough in advance - something I didn't know before. So, I've been able to assist someone with an answer and at the same time increase to amount of trivia I keep in my brain!

Answer 3

rdenig_male seems to have the best answer so far, so I'll add my two cent's worth as well.

While some could theoretically argue that the repeated questions about scheduling/times are stupid, I respectfully disagree, and I'll say why.

I've answered a few of those questions as they intrigued me. When I got to some of the train websites, I experienced a number of head-scratching moments, as some of the sites were clearly written by people not familiar with the basic concept of tailoring the site to the business or service at hand.

Mind you, I'm American-born, and multi-lingual, with US English being my primary language, so I can only imagine what it's like for someone struggling with English to try to navigate these sites.

And to answer an "implied" question, the reason that most of these questions originate from countries like India, is for the reason I mentioned above.

In closing, I'd rather answer similar questions several times than for someone to think that nobody on YA cares.

Answer 4

Sometimes people just want an answer an not go through all the searches.
When a person posts their question about rail time or fares they get an e-mail with the hyperlinks to the answers so they get a a result probably just as quick but with out the battle of searching!

Answer 5

Sometimes the hunt for information is too complicated to follow on some web-sites. Info is better here, usually, and worth the wait. Particularly for people like me, with limited computer skills.

Speaking of which, does anyone know if there is Amtrak service to Wichita or Tulsa? Where is the neasest service to either?

Answer 6

I think that people have become less self-reliant and more dependent. I also believe that many don't possess the basic skills to read a timetable.
One of the least used items at our station, is the big timetables on boards, where you can look up the times of the trains to Margate or Redhill etc. Passengers would rather queue up for 15' to ask at the ticket window.

Answer 7

Partly because Yahoo Answers is metamorphosing from a simple Q & A site in to an exercise in social interaction.

It's a bit like chatting or making small talk.

Answer 8

Easy answer. Because they are too lazy to pick up their telephone and call the rail company and ask.

Don't you find that true about so many questions posted here. The asker is too lazy to look up the answer for them self, they find it easier to have someone else do it for them.

Answer 9

I'm sure they do look on google, but they ask on here as well to see who gives the best response.

It may be to do with the points system... plus Y/A is fun!

Edit: But when you choose a best answer, you get three points back! So really you only lose two!

Answer 10

Perhaps their computer skills are limited to Yahoo! Answers?

Perhaps the train system they wish to use doesn't have a easy to find website with the schedule?

Perhaps even... they are in an ENGLISH class and using Yahoo! Answers as a means of sharpening their language skills?

I see no problem with it, and wouldn't call them "thick" for that alone...

Answer 11

Apparently http://www.nationalrail.co.uk doesnt exist in people's heads for when it comes to timetables and prices for the national rail network. The hint's pretty much in the web address..national rail..haha oh well!