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Regarding trains, it was a safety issue. Standard Time (and time zones) were invented to keep train schedules sane. The reason is because two trains occupying t

Regarding trains, it was a safety issue. Standard Time (and time zones) were invented to keep train schedules sane. The reason is because two trains occupying the same section of track simultaneously causes loud noises and news articles and paperwork. It was safety, not passenger convenience. As long as engineers kept to schedule—and railroad pocket watches were legendary for accuracy—blocks of track over the horizon could be shared by trains even going in opposite directions at different times.

Piskvorrr 10y ago
Accuracy of railroad watches is a fascinating subject in itself: "a technology program that would require a level of innovative engineering that would not be seen again until the moon landings", to quote this excellent article: http://everything2.com/title/Antique+railroad+pocket+watches http://everything2.com/title/Antique+railroad+pocket+watches