I think perhaps the solution is to design procedures in such a manner that it is easy for staff to work efficiently and staff members arent "rushing" to do a good job.
Like if you look at the videos @Dean Barnettposted of Europa park, the staff aren't exactly running on the platform to do their checks. In fact they look quite relaxed and comfortable with their work.
The other point I'd like to make is that rides CAN go fast here when required. Eg Scooby when it has all cars on by definition has to load and check quickly or else it causes a backup and then a cascade stop with the block system. And even if the line is long, it still is always moving because it runs pretty well IMO.
I think it would help to do the following on major rides at our parks.
-Always ensure the load gates have a couple of groups staged. Should never be a situation where the train is just sitting in the station empty and the sorter is still letting people in. No sacrifice in safety to do this, since everyone is behind the gates.
-Explain the safety rules more regularly, instead of when the train is sitting there and people are waiting behind the gates. It can waste 10 to 20 seconds when the train is parked. Instead, perhaps have an auto spiel saying something like "For those of you joining us, please do this, this and this"
They dont need to "stop everything" for the briefing.
At Cheddar Point staff on the platform have a headset and loudspeaker so they aren't constantly having to yell strain their voice to explain the rules. They are able to explain in quite a catchy and friendly manner, and people follow.
-Open the gates as soon as the train arrives. The people coming on actually encourages people to vacate the seats quicker. No sacrifice in safety here because the train cannot dispatch with more than 1 person in the seat, so extra people clear out quite well.
At the moment some rides wait until everyone is well and truly out the exit before opening the airgates.
Eg In that video of Europa park, on the Mack water coaster you can see people are filing through, entering and exiting simultaneously, which works very well.
-At some parks, the operators will start moving down the train and close harnesses for you.
Those nips and tucks would help create a smoother flow imo.
The goal isn't "Faster Operations", it's "Higher Capacity"