Subway trains?

Question

It's in two parts.

Firstly, why is it so rarely seen that two subway trains follow going in the same station & direction? (sorry for wording this awkwardly) I mean, why is it that there is usu. a 2-5 min. wait between subways, when it doesn't happen that a subway arrives and leaves as a second one follows the first to the station?

Secondly, why is it that nonstop trains usually slow down when passing thru stations, even though clearly the track is clear and no trains are in the way?

Thanks.

No dumb answers please.

Answer 1

theres normally one one subway route isnt there? which goes around the same track the one way? like a monorail.

and theyd probly slow down because other trains may have passed thru shortly before they did, so that they can stay a safe and timely distance.

Answer 2

Part 1:

The amount of subway cars available for a route is not infinite.  That is why a schedule is created that spaces trains several minutes apart during rush hours and longer intervals during non rush hours, overnight hours and weekends) .  This also allows trains to maximize the number of passengers carried.

Especially during overnight hours when there aren't as many riders during the day, there is not reason to operate trains at less than 15 to 30 minute intervals (depending on the line).

Of course, if there is a delay in service train could get backed up and then you would see one train ready to pull in as one is pulling out.

Part 2:

It is done for safety reasons.  Passengers get into a habit of leaning over the platform edge to see if a train is coming and then stepping back as the train approaches.  If a train was passing thru at full speed someone on the platform could get injured.

Answer 3

New York City subways, like when subways are overdue at it's terminal.

For example, (6) train on local track departed late, and sometimes it honk to indicate passengers on local platform to stay away from platform edge as late train bypass the local stop. If express train on express track go throught near local stations.

Same reason when during construction work with (2) and (5) train switch places, they honk to indicate train will not be stopping at Rector St or South Ferry.

Sometimes during construction work, MTA post notice and runs Slow Speed..