New York Subway Signs

[@Printer0011]

Conductors point at the board because it is required by TA rule. This idea was adapted by the Japanese subway in the mid 90's. We point because if the window of your cab is somewhere within limits of that board, it means the Train oparator, the one who actually moves the train, has stopped at his/her mark for the correct number of cars the train has. We also have to point because supervision does move around in the field and yes they actually WATCH us to make sure we comply with this rule. If we don't, well then its not going to be a good day at work...

[@TibGabinius]

Thx for explaining. I already wondered. So have a nice day and always good days at work :)

[@ppganselmo]

TIL :)

[@reggierodriguez6546]

I think the MTA has supervisors in plain clothes too. Just like under cover mystery shoppers exist too. They report if the businesses are clean, if the employees are courteous and respectful... Etc

[@ejwaite05]

Indeed this would be inspired by the Japanese. We were watching conductors and drivers literally place there finger on their running sheet (schedule etc) literally running along each station name then arrival/departure time. They would also point at every signal, sign etc to demonstrate they were paying attention. Such discipline!

[@MrMatavelhas]

It works very well and you don t need to be so fundamentalist like the Japanese (who point and tell). In this case the conductor will get the ingrained habit of pointing at the board before opening the doors (as opposed to the habit of automatically opening the doors when the train stops) ... if he/she does t find the board it will break the brains automatic action... hence it is way more safe

[@alexandermorales5624]

I'm a conductor and this made me smile just watching it at home! Thanks!

[@funlife4045]

Much love for you and all the conductors out there. Thank you so so much.

[@renechapa4698]

I'm a New Yorker and ride the subway almost every day. This video made me happy. Thanks! (And contrary to others' comments, I do NOT think the video "makes fun" of the seriousness of this "strange" ritual. I think it honors them by giving them a little unexpected joy while they do their very important jobs.

[@ice319]

I was a conductor (now a train operator, the guy in the front driving), and this would have made me crack up laughing. Definitely a good break from the monotony of pointing to the board. We must point to the board because where the board is positioned on the platform, it ensures that the train is fully in the station and that you are on the right platform to open the doors (some stations have platforms on both sides of the train). One of my friends is in this video lol.. very cool.

[@Satchmoeddie]

In Japan they have rather small surviellance signs that are either a black inverted triangle on an orange background, or a reflective orange inverted triangle, where the operator must point at his or her eyes, point at the sign, or either down the tracks, or sometimes they point at a camera that is not on the train, or some hazzard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3yTYXuIe5h5q6s When they have a speed limit sign for their track, they point at the sign and then the gauges and call out their speed. It's pretty intensely monotonous but it works very well. They do not point and call the colored block signals though. I assume there is a very good reason for that also. The Shinkansen has a deviation from schedule (being late) average of 24 les than seconds, including accidents, and natural disasters. That's the Japanese for you. What do we do? We created the TSA and hired people to steal shit from your luggage at the airport. Yay! We are so special!

[@sabrinareid5849]

for real?

[@luciferStar420]

Mario Williams I’ve never heard of this lol. I’m from the Midwest so that’s why

[@Spidermanfan1979]

It's so easy to make someone's day. It should happen more often.

[@NIRVANAmat]

totally :)

[@greghuang2314]

Conductors must point to the sign to show the train drivers that they have stopped the trains in the right position. If the train is not in the right position, the first or last door may not be aligned with the platform.

[@lovelyxskinny]

^True

[@pingping1229]

in japan they point at crossings, speed, signs etc im really glad to see this implemented in usa

[@pavelow67]

proof?

[@pavelow67]

being a new yorker had nothing to do with this, stupid american

[@morganlimes]

ULTRAMAN ok you want full uncensored pic of thanos?

[@StreetfilmsCommunity]

As someone who has made nearly 600 short films for a living, and one who always encourages people to make their films as short as possible, this is a comment I may have never made: that video needs to be longer! I can't get enough! MORE!

[@jdreal77]

I'm a little late here but i'm a Train Operator (the one in the front moving the train) and this made me smile. Nice to see people having a little fun with their friendly conductors instead of assaulting them

[@lprocks555]

I love it when people take the time to make someone smile like that; it gives me hope for humanity.

[@BobbieBees]

This is called "Point and Call". It's actually a safety training technique to ensure that the conductors are paying attention and not simply falling into a robotic rote and opening the doors if the train has stopped at the wrong part of the platform. It's actually quite effective at reducing mistakes. Wikipedia has a page for "Pointing and Calling"

[@Sxudi]

These are the type of experiments that are fun, interesting, unique, and no one gets pissed off. We need more

[@alfromwork]

This. This is why I love New York.

[@StudioAnnLe]

I didn't realize that there was such a weird rule in NYC.

[@louis.gabriel]

+nycczz23 Or a Japanese

[@drServitis]

Do you mean Japanese conductors have to point at signs on Japanese subways also?

[@Trainkidkris]

MTA rules and regs

[@phil4863]

drServitis yes. A MTA worker brought that rule from Japan to here in the 90s

[@AlexReyes-od4kv]

It looks completely silly but it does work in reducing mistakes significantly.

[@cherista]

Seeing them smile makes me happy.

[@christopherj.bernard5054]

I already knew this. Ever since I asked a conductor that I kept seeing everyday coming from my high school and waiting for the A train to take me back home. Don't remember his name but I will never forget our conversations we had together. Great person I looked up to. I don't think he's still alive now because he was an elderly man while he worked at the time. 😪

[@luciferStar420]

All those drivers could have been having a bad day and their day was co anger by those signs, that’s pretty cool.

[@NameetPai]

LOL! Not only was this funny, I just learnt something new about the subways I've been riding since 2007! Will have to go check it out myself...

[@bendybus5165]

The "pointing" comes from Japan. In Japan (e.g. Tokyo Metro) the conductors use pointing as a clarification for what they're about to do, doing, or what they've just done. For example, pull up to a station, doors open, conductor points at the doors, to verify they're open. Doors close, point again. Then its time to leave, the conductor points at their watch, then the departure board, then walks back into his cab, points forward out the window, to signal the driver to set off.

[@teapoweredyugi]

It's not just the Tokyo JR lines. JR Central and all the JR lines that operate the Shinkansen (The Bullet Train) do this, and it's where it originated. They do something called "Point and call" where they make sure that what's going on is what is supposed to be going on. Surprisingly they found in a 2011 study that it doesn't impact speed but greatly reduces errors to the point of being virtually non-existent.

[@howlingwolven]

It's called point and say, or shisa kanko in Japanese, and the way it works is by stimulating the brain by coordinating between hand, eye, mouth, and ear all at once. It helps keep one focused and attentive, as stupid and strange as it seems.

[@dudestir127]

So many videos of fights in the subway system, thanks for posting a video that's not a fight and that we can smile at and laugh a little at.

[@HesJustSteven]

Finally something that makes conductors smile, considering they deal with attitudes and a dusty environment, better to make conductors enjoy their jobs

[@un-hyphenate]

for some reason I tear up at videos like this, some things are universal. Unexpected serendipity is one of those things. You're the train driver and this minor funny but unexpected thing happens, everybody can relate.

[@MrKunzoc]

Oh Please, please! More Stops, more signs and more smiling faces. You made my day even though I'm not a conductor :D

[@hillzyworm1]

have lived in this city my whole life and take the subway almost everyday. I have never noticed the pointing. I'll be looking for it tomorrow. And awesome way to put a smile on people. :) Good job guys.

So this morning on my way to work, I watched the conductor as the train stopped at Times Square and, sure enough, he pointed. My earliest memory of riding the subway is from 1967 and I thought I'd seen it all, but this was a first for me. This is really great!

[@wumingkkk]

I just came back from NYC and I love NYC subway! Old but full of life!

[@brewcrewster]

I really enjoyed watching this, a really fantastic idea for an art project. Spreading smiles is the noblest pursuit.

[@oceanx102]

I tried looking out for the pointing and I was so excited to actually notice it.

[@StudioAnnLe]

Love the random acts of humor =)

[@skysunmoonstar]

This just put a huge smile on my face.

[@dave240vert]

Just ran into that cellist at 56 seconds in the other day and hung out for about half an hour, he is incredible. Only performs improv and completely freestyle but obviously well versed and trained in many styles. His name's Jacob Cohen, frequents the Bedford L stop. If you ever see him and have some free time, definitely stay for a while and watch, so much energy and it's magnificent to see someone pushing the boundaries with string instruments. Don't see that too often in the modern world.

[@pinkbird1480]

You are awesome for doing this experiment! Thank you for cheering up the train conductors and the viewers!

[@raventheblademaster1874]

That would probably make their day a little less painfully long. Even better if it's at every station.

[@RickyChops]

Miss you big dawg. ❤

[@yoseflerner941]

😘

[@dougwastaken]

According to the reflection at 1:21 -- the sign a few of them are actually pointing at is 'NY is the greatest city in the world' -- I noticed a backwards 'IS' in some of the shots and was curious what they were pointing at vs. what the editing made it look like they were pointing at.

[@mikaelaw9983]

WOW! You have sharp eyes! i would have never guessed it

[@64Pete]

This made me smile on a day when I would have otherwise not.

[@cpearce8348]

This was posted on Twitter by Alternative Travel Project and thought it was a great way to show the conductors that people do care. Yosef and Rose great job!

[@Lupelie255]

sniffling because this is adorable, even if you're only connecting for a moment

[@ZorkaKovacevich]

What a great video about the heart of NYC! Great music too! Thanks!!!

[@foamable1]

You are what makes New York great. Thank you!

[@Scotty2H]

That's so cool you learned about this little idiosyncrasy and created this lighthearted funny video to go with it. Good job. Big thumbs up!

[@SirEmilyTiger]

More videos please! I love New York and the people in it.

[@LexieMediaTransit8516]

I once did this at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street F and Q train station, and I was standing under those zebra signs, holding these weird pieces of paper underneath them, and conductors on various F and Q trains were pointing to them.

[@catlogan9537]

Thanks for adding a smile to their days! That was great!

[@Prellium]

Made me smile with tears in my eyes, really lovely.

[@Karmalize]

so simple to share a smile. so powerful to share a smile.

[@bernarddaileyjr.8395]

This was GREAT...good to see people smiling which made me smile!!

[@GaraSteinfeldMAEdMLMHC]

Love this. look at all those smiles

[@jodallion]

makes me love NYC even more

[@jonimendes6779]

this just made those conductors day XD

[@VJoos]

"You are awesome" - Conductor at the end

[@patsfan971]

awesome idea! A little positivity goes a long way. You girls are awesome!

[@cbrown717]

This is truly a great idea! This made me smile from ear to ear!

[@picklesoup1150]

I love watching them smile.

[@NinjaSushi83]

What an awesome way to show appreciation and make someone's day! I 3 it!

[@TheWeirdlings]

That's great! Way to brighten up a day

[@marissathompson6707]

This made me smile so much.

[@MaiLovesMcFLY]

Amazing! Wish I'd have come up with this idea for my feature article ;)

[@scherdieny]

people are just so beautiful smiling

[@jsepol]

As a train driver, it would also make my day, excelent, nice to see that small acts make big smiles! (Sorry for my English)

[@alk61695]

I never knew the conductors have to point at that sign. Next time I take the subway, I have to check that out.

[@jorgeemersonnadillo1552]

a funny way to let their day smile!! really cool...I loved it.. ;-)

[@alphaw]

We need more fun like this in NYC too many laws, taxes, fines and bs. Thanks for contributing to keeping NYC a great city!

[@panfurby]

Absolutely beautiful

[@charlestrulock8610]

this is one of the best youtube videos i have ever seen....

[@edkilla420]

Showin luv from las vegas here

[@totally_sparky]

Made me really happy. Put a smile on my face. Happy #Friday!

[@julieqiu]

Love this! I actually have never noticed in my 7 years of living here. Now I will :)

[@CodyShell]

i miss new york so much

[@csouth28]

To show that they're paying attention & to make sure the whole train is in the station.

[@uma1bodhi]

I love this. Well done! Great editing and music choice!

[@madamHoodie1]

It's silly fun things like this that make me the happiest.

[@honeynetalove]

This is why I love NY. It's little things like this.

[@maxemilliancorkum9908]

they point at the sign to prove that the middle of the train is at that point and it is SAFE TO OPEN ALL THE DOORS!! NOTHING SILLY ABOUT THAT

[@2ril405]

This music in this video is perfect!!!

[@thomasjones3224]

This legit made me smile

[@edwin4362]

I live in NYC and use the subway all the time and I never noticed this!

[@jjusboyz]

Ima start paying attention to that

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

I love New York. Thanks for the video

[@LexieMediaTransit8516]

The conductors point to these signs depending on the length of the train's car, and the number of cars a train has, like an F train versus an M train both using R160A's, the M train is 2 cars shorter than the F train, so they require different signs.

[@Ustazgay]

These kinds of videos are so much better than the stupid "prank" videos on KZbin..

[@spacet1me]

Talk about a wholesome video/prank.

[@dedawheaty]

As I study for the GRE I really appreciate this use of panache! Thank you!!!

[@TheMusketITuckedIt204]

Lol at the dude in the green shirt (0:59) pointing and trying to be part of the joke.

[@itsclaire15]

Oh my god , it makes me so happy this video, you made their day and my day!

[@tishabyte]

As an MTA worker thanks for doing this.

[@nolitafaerietale]

As someone who routinely leans on the wrong doors, the phrase "less likely" just scared the poop out of me. :)

[@Clisare]

Amazing! So feel good :)

[@thingstohear]

Good job Rose and Yosef! very touching

[@JaceDarks]

it's actually cool of someone to think of this

[@rencafe645]

People see the American flag on the subway car. Everybody from somewhere on the NYC Subway Great video.

[@AlyMewGaming]

aweee I just smiled

[@peteru18]

The only thing that surprises me after nearly a full year in Japan is that NY's subway conductors are in the middle of the train - Japan's conductors, if in crew operation, control the doors from the rear cab almost always.

[@lizzzzzg]

this literally made me smile so hard

[@riiccccccc]

Thanks for making their day...great idea.

[@ArmaniXperience]

OMG I ALWAYSSS wondered why they'd point or what they're pointing at haha. I notice it aaaallll the time. This is awesome!!! Great video

[@hpanna47]

Wow, I've lived in NYC all my life and ride the subway often but never noticed that.

[@SoyProductionz]

The beat behind this video is sick!

[@BrittanyLi]

This was spectacular.

[@bzheng5]

this was fun, i bet they loved it

[@ayumuizumo5583]

Please make a part 2 of this...