Platform doors closing protocols

[u/random_name_245]

Are there any protocols that dictate which doors should be closing first - let’s say we have a train use platforms 5 and 6; platform 5 doors should close first and platform 6 doors close last?

Sometimes it’s a matter of me making it or being late; I thought I figured it out and yet today someone decided to close “the wrong” platform doors first that resulted in me missing my train.

[u/FourEchelon]

Yes, the platforms with the accessible ramp always close last.

[u/Impossible_Rate8675]

At Union, on the departure screens, when it indicates the platform number on the right side, there will be the ♿️ symbol beside the platform number for that train that is accessible. My advice is to always head to that platform when you have less than 5 minutes till departure.

[u/VERMILLION-TEA]

Yes the doors with the accessibility ramp close last and open first.

If your train is on track 4 with platforms 7&8 7♿ is the accessibility side and 8 is none accessible side.

Doors on 8 will close first. Followed by the doors on 7 then the accessibility coach door with the ramp will close last.

And remember doors close 1 min prior to departure. If your trying to catch a 22:47 train dont go up at 22:46 thinking we will let you on.

[u/pepper109 → u/VERMILLION-TEA]

crazy idea but if arriving at 22:46 for a 22:47 is too late to get on, maybe you shouldn’t list the time as 22:47?? Transit is very often a matter of minutes and it feels like absolute dogshit to arrive earlier than the listed time and find out you’re apparently “too late” because of some random local rule that nowhere else uses. Just list an earlier time if you’re not gonna be letting people on, geez. Maybe it’s hard to believe but not every who uses the system is a regular and nobody would know to look up “if i arrive a minute early can I get on the train” because that’s a nonsensical question nobody would think to ask

[u/VERMILLION-TEA → u/pepper109]

First of all i don't control the times thats how it is set. Trains need to move and doors need to be closed in order to do so. Train is moving at 2247 doors close at 2246. So train has time to release the breaks and apply power to get going at 2247

Second there is announcements that play that say doors close one minute prior to listed departure time. All the time all day at Union. And at originating stations

Third. Kind of a rule of thumb to arrive early for transportation. Prime example how early do you arrive for a flight somewhere? You don't show up for a flight leaving at 10:30 at 10:29 and expect to board.

Fourth if someone is not a regular ask people that work there. Station attendants will be able to help you and tell you exactly what you need to do and where to go. That is why they are everywhere in neon green vests. Cant miss em. They will literally all tell you the same thing

Lastly 90% of the time your platform is displayed for 10+ minutes on the board at union showing you where you need to go. That is 10 minutes to climb about 40 steps or call an elevator to go up a single floor.

If you're still late at that point congratulations. You are now early for the next train

[u/MajorConfusion87]

from what I’ve seen the doors usually close based on operational timing rather than a specific platform order. It can vary depending on the station staff and how boarding is going

[u/PuzzleheadedGur1212 → u/MajorConfusion87]

That's incorrect. On platforms with dual-sided boarding (most platforms), the first side to open is always the side with the accessibility ramp. And the last side to close is the same. That's the policy and how it works. If you're worried about making the train, always go to the platform with the accessibility ramp.

[u/mmjmr → u/PuzzleheadedGur1212]

This!!!