02-22-2023, 10:21 PM
(02-22-2023, 09:25 PM)Bob_McBob Wrote: They're starting to run coupled trains in service tonight, but it's a very convoluted process actually getting them coupled while out on the line. They have a special rule where the operator of the rear train has to visually confirm nobody is in the coupling and announce it over the PA system before departing every station. The first pair they coupled has a broken PA system, so the two operators have to communicate over the radio.
I don’t understand. The process of coupling is more involved than one might assume, or a coupled pair has to do extra work before starting every time? By “in the coupling”, do you mean standing on the track between the 2 coupled vehicles?
If the latter, that’s stupid. The system is eventually supposed to operate routinely with coupled pairs, and the main reason for doing so is to avoid paying more drivers when increasing capacity. Whatever they will do when it operates routinely they should be able to do now. Enough with the safety paranoia.