Quote:
Originally Posted by mrnyc
ha yeah and its true — i guess they backed off on the fancy versions 
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I'd imagine that the fancy doors only work with modern train cars that can stop at the exact spot in every single train station. It wouldn't work that well in NYC, with old trains, old stations with funky track geometries (like Union Sq for the 4/5/6), and train drivers of varying skills.
Speaking of the latter, I'm completely convinced that many veteran train drivers retired during the pandemic, and we now have to contend with a host of greenhorn train drivers of varying skill levels. I imagine that many have figured it out fairly quickly and their skill levels aren't much different than the veterans. But you definitely notice the greenness of others.
Some are unsure of how fast they can drive, so they often drive way too slow just to be safe. I always call them "sandbagging". The worst is when this sandbagging costs you a connecting transfer or two.
The worst rookies don't even know where to stop on the station platform. I've seen an N make a complete stop at a station for a 10 seconds, only for the train to lurch forward another 5-10 feet because the driver had initially stopped at the wrong place.
In an train system still largely reliant on antiquated signaling systems, making sure the trains travel at the right speed and on the right schedule is of upmost importance to maintaining proper headways during busy times. Unfortunately, this gets thrown out the window if you have too many rookie train drivers who drive too slow or make too many mistakes. Every bit of delay for one train compounds into additional delays for the trains running behind it. Basically a butterfly effect.
Bad conductors also compound delays. The worst ones will wait way too long to open and close doors, and spend way too long making announcements. Imagine them pulling this shit at every local stop.
As I said to many others: I won't steal fares by going through the gate or jumping turnstiles. I will pay my fare. But I will also choose not to use subway service if I can. Nowadays, my main commute to work relies on riding a Citibike over the bridge. If the MTA wants more of my money, they need to show me they can provide consistent good quality service. Plain and simple.
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