math checks out - eviltoast
  • PotatoesFall@discuss.tchncs.de
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    5 months ago

    actually, it is. let me explain.

    Let’s simplify and say that there are peak hours and low hours. 100 people call during a peak hour, and 25 during a low hour. The chance of calling during a peak hour is 80%, since you are four times as likely to be one of the 100 rather than one of the 25.

    The same effect means that you are almost always on planes and trains that are very full, even though every now and then they ride almost empty. Fewer people get to experience empty train rides by definition.

    Of course this effect falls apart when your usage patterns differ from everybody else’s. If everybody takes the train at rush hour, you might ride an empty one at noon. Or, if you call the hotline while everybody else is sleeping, you might have a better chance.

    But yeah companies also just lie to make themselves look better lol

      • Hupf@feddit.de
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        5 months ago

        Soo you’re saying we should increase train frequency for times when they’re empty?

        • uis@lemm.ee
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          5 months ago

          If that frequency is once an hour compared to once in five minutes, then yes. If frequency is too low, then people are more likely to use alternative transport or not go at all.

    • 22hp4maa@lemmy.one
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      5 months ago

      The same goes for traffic. If you are experiencing traffic, you ARE traffic.

      • uis@lemm.ee
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        5 months ago

        This is why PT is OP. The bigger traffic is - the smaller intervals are.

    • KevonLooney@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      Yes, this is exactly it. You are calling when other people are calling. You are the congestion.

      If you call before 11 AM you will have a much better time, as will the customer service operators.