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Fewer doors to open on commuter trains

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 11, 2010 03:38 PM

By Stefanie Geisler, Globe Correspondent

Looking to get off your commuter train? Better keep an eye on the conductor.

All side doors on commuter trains must be kept closed while the trains are rolling and conductors will open only two of the doors when the trains roll into the station, under new safety rules being implemented by the company that operates the trains.

"People are only going to be able to get on the trains through doors that are manned by a conductor or assistant," said Scott Farmelant, a spokesman for Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co., which operates the lines for the MBTA.

The new rules were implemented on some lines beginning Feb. 1. They'll be effective on all lines by Monday.

The conductors must ensure all the doors are completely closed before the train begins moving again. In the past, doors were often left open, Farmelant said.

Each conductor will open two doors, and there is one conductor for about 200 passengers, Farmelant said.

Under the new guidelines, passengers are prohibited from opening the doors and the trapdoors that cover the stairs.

The changes were made under the direction of the Federal Railroad Administration to ensure passenger safety, Farmelant said.

The MBCR has alerted passengers of the changes through e-mail messages, posters at central terminals and major interchanges, and fliers at information booths and ticket offices, Farmelant said.

Service may be delayed by a few minutes as passengers adjust to the changes, Farmelant said.

"We're not really anticipating any great difference in train schedule, but there will be a readjustment period for customers who are used to certain patterns," he said. "Once people get used to the new procedure, there will be no problem."