Time bands

Lower edge

The lower number describes a relatively smooth intercity journey. It is not the expected arrival for every departure and should not anchor a fixed appointment.

Upper edge

The upper number allows for ordinary traffic, common breaks and passenger calls. Weather, road controls, unusually heavy traffic or operational disruption can still exceed it.

What sits outside the band

Local travel to the boarding point, reporting time, unloading and onward travel after arrival are separate. Add all four when building a door-to-door plan.

Connection margin

The appropriate margin depends on consequences. A flexible hotel arrival needs less protection than a medical appointment or flight. Use the upper band first, then add a margin rather than subtracting from it.

Verify the band boundaries

Ask whether a published duration ends at the first destination-area call or the final stop, and whether planned breaks are included.