Why Do New York City Subway Conductors Point Up After Stops: Safety Standards and Operational Efficiency

New York City subway conductors are a vital part of the subway system, ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation for millions of riders every day. One of the most recognizable and important practices they perform is pointing up after stops. This article explores the reasoning behind this gesture, its genesis, and its continuous importance in enhancing safety and operational standards.

The Purpose and Safety Implications

The pointing gesture serves multiple critical functions, primarily ensuring passenger and operator safety, facilitating clear communication, and maintaining standardized practices.

Safety: The primary reason for the conductor's upward point is to guarantee that passengers are not in danger of being caught by the doors. Conductors visually confirm that all doors are closed, which ensures that no riders are waiting in the gap between the train and platform.

Adaptation from Japanese Train Practices: Pointing and Calling

This practice in New York City subways is inspired by the “Pointing and Calling” technique used by Japanese train operators. Introduced to minimize operational errors, it significantly enhances situational awareness and ensures that every detail is checked.

Pointing and Calling involves a series of steps: Identifying a sign or control (e.g., a speed limit sign) Pointing to it and announcing its presence Again pointing at a relevant gauge or display (e.g., speedometer) to check the current reading

This process creates a layer of verification that reduces the likelihood of operational mistakes, similar to the pilot and checklist procedure in aviation. If a pilot reads the checklist but does not visually verify it, the consequences can be catastrophic, as seen in one incident where the co-pilot merely called out the checklist items without actually checking the flaps, resulting in a crash during takeoff.

Application in New York City Subways

In the bustling New York City subway system, the pointing gesture addresses a specific issue: many conductors rely on visual cues rather than relying on the train operator's assurance that the doors are closed. This can lead to potential safety hazards. The conductor's position on the platform allows for a visual confirmation that all doors are secure before signaling the train to depart.

When a train arrives at a station, there's typically a square marked on the platform where the conductor stands. Conductors are prone to glance at this area and open the doors when the train arrives. However, the pointing gesture ensures that the conductor actually sees the square and confirms the doors are closed. This simple action significantly enhances operational safety, especially in high-frequency local trains that stop every 90 seconds.

Conclusion: Consistency and Safety First

The pointing gesture is more than just a tradition; it's a crucial safety protocol that has been adapted from the practices of Japanese train operators. It serves as a reminder to conductors to double-check their surroundings, ensuring that no one is in danger and that the train can depart safely. This practice is a testament to the importance of consistency and thoroughness in urban railway operations. By maintaining these rigorous safety standards, New York City subways continue to provide reliable and efficient service to millions of commuters.