Direction of transit trains - when conductor says head to the rear?

Question

OK - can anyone tell me WHY, when you're on a NJ Transit train, when a conductor announces that passengers should head to the rear of the train if they plan on exiting at the next stop (because the doors will only open on certain cars), it seems like people are walking in the opposite direction? I was sitting in my seat and all seats were facing the direction we were traveling which i would think would be facing FRONT and everyone walked up ahead past me.... is the train direction backwatrds from the way the seats face? Also, when they announce "if you're in the last 4 cars... move forward to exit" - HOW would you KNOW what car you're in? especially when you get on in NYC where there are son many cars on the train you cant even see the end of the train to know where u are.... i dont get it.

Answer 1

It's just so they can keep better track of WHO just got on and still needs to show their ticket.  However, people like to walk the OPPOSITE way (including myself) for the chance that they won't check those cars again for tickets.  REmember, tickets are good for a year, so if you can avoid being checked by a conductor, especially if you're only going one stop, then go for it.  NJT charges enough as it is for their fares because they are greedy and all they do is cut service and have late trains, but charge high fares.

Answer 2

i agree the front should be the direction of traval engenier in the front and u have to pay attion when u boredc to no ur car but best advice follow crowds or ask collecter

Answer 3

You don't need to know how many cars are on the train.  You just need to know how many cars you are from the end (count as you get on) and whether you're on the front or the back (observe as the train gets moving).

It's true that sometimes "everybody" will do the wrong thing, kinda like lemmings, and you should always think for yourself.  But in a situation like this, where you're new, and everyone else seems to know exactly what to do -- your call, but chances are following them is safe.  If in doubt, ask.