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In Europe, train operators often have a target percentage, like 90%, of trains that must be on time[0] specified in their concession, with a system of fines or bonuses. So they have an incentive to put some padding in their schedules, since that will improve their lateness statistics.

[0] Usually defined as being less than 5 minutes late or so.

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And in Belgium those 5 minutes only count at the end of the line. It means that the train can be 15 minutes late and miss connections but it won't be considered late if it made up for the delay upon arriving at the terminus.

In Auckland, New Zealand up until a few years ago it was the start of the trip that determined whethe or not the bus was considered late. Depart on time, but delayed en route and arrive at the end of the line 60 mins late? "On Time"!

Good - so it keeps them honest. Are you suggesting they should be forced to publish timetables which they know will be wrong 10% of the time?

I'd like them to ride a bit faster if they can, actually, yes. They play it way too safe at the moment.

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