Timetables

Timetables are normally given using the 24-hour clock. A timetable is shown in columns, with a list of places in the first column. Each of the other columns represent a single journey. A gap, or line means that the train or bus does not stop at that location.

Here is part of a local bus timetable:

Ashfield	07 03	08 23	10 15	12 15	13 45	15 05
Burchester	07 12	08 32	10 24	12 24	13 55	15 16
Cattleford	07 15	-	10 28	12 28	-	15 30
Deesthorpe	07 28	08 42	10 42	12 42	-	15 43
Engleston	07 42	-	11 02	13 02	-	16 02
Fairlie	07 51	-	11 11	13 11	14 40	16 20
Grantchester	07 58	09 08	11 18	13 18	14 47	16 05

Journey times can be worked out by subtracting the time of departure from the time of arrival within a column.

To be at a destination at a particular time, first find the destination on the table. Then work along the line to find a time where the bus or train arrives before the time needed. Finally, work up that column to the origin and read the departure time.

Example 1

Using the timetable, above, how long does the journey take from Ashfield to Fairlie on the 1015 bus?

Departs Ashfield 1015; Arrives Fairlie 1111.

1015 to 1100 is 45 minutes

1100 to 1111 is 11 minutes

45 + 11 = 56 minutes

Answer: 56 minutes

Example 2

Chloe needs to be in Fairlie for 3pm. What time does she need to leave Deesthorpe to get to her appointment on time?

Read along the Fairlie line to find the bus that gets in before 3pm.

The obvious bus is the one that arrives at 1440: but that does not stop at Deesthorpe.

So she has to get an earlier bus: the 1311 - which does stop at Deesthorpe.

Read up from the 1311 time to the Deesthorpe line, to get the departure time of 1242

Answer: 1242