Final answer:
A train operator running ahead of schedule may confuse passengers, causing those expecting the train to adhere to the timetable to potentially miss it and have to wait longer for the next one. This can lead to disruption in personal schedules and confusion, similar to the unexpected stop described in one of the excerpts.
Step-by-step explanation:
One result of a train operator running ahead of schedule is to cause disruption or confusion among the passengers. When a train departs earlier than scheduled, passengers who arrive based on the expected timing might miss their train. Consequently, they may have to wait for the next one, which could lead to delays in their personal schedules. Regular commuters often rely on trains being right on schedule, without needing to constantly check the schedule board, as they're accustomed to the movement of the crowd to gauge train arrivals and any track changes. An early departure can disrupt this informal system, leaving even the seasoned passengers unsure and potentially leading to a longer than usual wait for the next train.
Furthermore, an unexpected train halt, as mentioned in the anecdote when the train screeched to a halt in the middle of an intersection, can also disrupt passenger plans. Such sudden stops due to being ahead of schedule may confuse passengers about their current location or the reason for stopping, similar to the disorientation experienced by the pigeons in the narrative. Lastly, learning from the observed experiences of others, such as a coworker being reprimanded for tardiness, could make one adapt their behavior to prevent personal inconvenience, suggesting that adjustments by commuters are often reactive to transportation reliability.