No, that's just what they'll be expecting us to do!
By adamg - Mon, 11/26/2007 - 2:52pm.
Yesterday's Globe City Weekly had this sorta Stops and Starts column about how commuters at Back Bay station often don't know where the trains are heading because the signboards don't work and the conductors often refuse to tell them. A T mouthpiece was quoted as saying, gosh, yes, that certainly is confusing and yes, it would be nice if conductors would announce trains before the T actually installs a working sign system, in, oh, 2035 or thereabouts.
Steve Garfield doesn't get it:
Wouldn't the solution be to REQUIRE all conductors to announce their train's destination, and then check to make sure they are doing it?
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Having taken the commuter
Having taken the commuter rail out of Back Bay frequently over the past few years, I totally agree this is a constant issue. An easier solution requiring very little technology is to have revolving signs on the trains similar to what the older buses and trolleys had that say what line it is. The condutors can just change the line indicated when necessary. Pretty simple and cheap solution IMO. The current TV monitors are adequate for people to know what time and track the train is expected on since it's right at the top of the stairs and easily viewable. Having the conductors yell out the line is helpful but it's often too loud to hear them anyway.
visual announcements aren't enough
The ADA requires that when a bus/train pulls into a location where it could be going more than one place, either a person or an automated thing announces the destination so it can be audible in the boarding area. They're also required to call out stops inside the vehicle.
here's a nice bit from that
here's a nice bit from that Starts and Stops column:
no shit, MBTA.
no shit, MBTA.
Technical advances
The only technical advances necessary are having a person yelling the destination of the train. How frakking hard is that? No costly upgrades required.
Better yet why don't they
Better yet why don't they have an employee down on the plat form to make the announcement of which train is which ( the position is called a gate person ) So if trains pulling into the station do not come in the normal sequence that person could make the correct announcement. They already have the equipment in place at Back Bay , I know because I worked there and that was my job.... but like everywhere else cut the job ... save the money... inconvenience the customer.
BTW MOST conductors do announce what train it is ...I'd know I do it every time and if you get on the wrong one you can just get off at Ruggles Station and get on the right one.