Yesterday, I had quite an adventure on my way to work. As usual, I was running late and dashed down the stairs to catch the subway. Just as I reached the platform, the train doors began to close. In a dramatic slow-motion moment, I tried to squeeze through, expecting the doors to open. But they didn’t, and I got stuck! Thankfully, some kind passengers helped me out, and I made it to work on time.
Curious about my morning mishap, I did some research during my coffee break. I discovered that there are two types of subway train doors. The first type has sensitive edges that detect obstacles like a leg or a bag. These doors open automatically if something gets caught. The second type, which I encountered, doesn’t have this feature. They just keep pressing on whatever is stuck, which was me in this case!
Fortunately, these insensitive doors aren’t dangerous. They are designed to close with a force of no more than 45 pounds, which is uncomfortable but not harmful. But why don’t all subway doors have sensitive edges? It turns out that these doors can accidentally open during a trip if the mechanism fails, which could be dangerous. Also, people squeezing through can disrupt train schedules. More complex mechanisms also have a higher chance of breaking down.
While researching, I found some fascinating facts about subway systems worldwide. For instance, if you’re looking for a seat on a crowded train, try the very front or back car. This trick might save you from being squished during rush hour!
The London Underground, known as “the Tube,” is the oldest subway system, opening in 1863. Budapest’s Metro is the second oldest, starting in 1896. In 2013, Tokyo transformed an aboveground line into a subway line overnight, without anyone noticing!
In New York City, some buildings are just facades hiding subway maintenance areas. Also, many stations have separate entrances for uptown and downtown trains. If you enter the wrong one, you can’t switch platforms without waiting 18 minutes if you have an unlimited access card.
If you’re ever in an emergency on a subway, stay inside the car. But if you must leave, look for blue or white lights. Blue lights indicate safety equipment, while white lights show exits.
In Greece, building subway systems is challenging because they often find ancient ruins. Meanwhile, Quanzhou in China went from having no subway to an extensive system with 257 stations in just 22 years!
Montreal’s subway trains use wooden brake shoes soaked in peanut oil, which are quieter and more eco-friendly. In New York, conductors point at a black and white board on the platform to ensure the train is correctly aligned before opening the doors.
In Washington, D.C., eating or drinking on trains is prohibited to avoid staining the carpets. Lastly, New York’s subway system has the most stations in the world, with 472 in total. Fun fact: Duke Ellington’s famous tune “Take the A Train” is about a real subway line in New York!
Choose a subway system from around the world and research its history, unique features, and any interesting facts. Create a short presentation to share with the class, highlighting what makes this subway system stand out. Use visuals and maps to make your presentation engaging.
Using the information from the article, design a safety poster for subway passengers. Include tips on what to do in an emergency, how to avoid getting stuck in doors, and any other safety advice you find important. Make sure your poster is colorful and easy to read.
Write a guide on proper subway etiquette. Consider what behaviors are courteous and what should be avoided to ensure a pleasant ride for everyone. Include tips on how to find a seat, manage personal space, and respect fellow passengers.
In a small group, design a simple experiment to demonstrate how subway doors with sensitive edges work. Use materials like cardboard and sensors to create a model. Present your findings to the class, explaining the pros and cons of different door mechanisms.
Imagine you are a subway train traveling through a city. Write a creative story from the perspective of the train, describing your daily journey, the passengers you encounter, and any adventures you experience. Use vivid descriptions to bring your story to life.
Subway – An underground railway system used for transporting passengers in urban areas. – The subway is an efficient way to travel across the city without getting stuck in traffic.
Doors – Movable barriers that allow or block access to an entrance or exit. – The train’s automatic doors opened smoothly to let passengers board.
Systems – Sets of connected parts forming a complex whole, especially in technology or biology. – Engineers designed the subway systems to be both efficient and reliable.
Safety – The condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury. – Safety measures in engineering are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of users.
Mechanisms – Parts of a machine or system that work together to perform a function. – The braking mechanisms on the train are designed to stop it quickly and safely.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Scientists conduct research to develop new technologies for cleaner energy.
Trains – Connected series of vehicles that run on tracks and are used for transporting goods or passengers. – High-speed trains can travel at speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour.
Obstacles – Things that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress. – Engineers must design solutions to overcome obstacles such as difficult terrain when building railways.
Features – Distinctive attributes or aspects of something. – The new smartphone has several innovative features, including a high-resolution camera and long battery life.
Emergency – A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. – In case of an emergency, passengers should follow the instructions provided by the train staff.
