Early last week, I was on the train going home and had another one of those encounters where you see someone realize they missed their stop. This kind of stuff happens often and it always irritated me because it seemed like such a simple solution that I didn’t understand why – in the 3+ years I’ve been taking the train – it’s never been done. Well, that was enough. I got home, told Chantale about it, and then sent off an email to the AMT with my name and phone number. Here’s what I said:
Mike Aragona, January 10, 2006 21:18
Subject : Announcing Stations – Please Help
Hello. I’m a commuter on the Dorgion-Vaudreuil line and I would like to make a suggestion.
I feel it is very important for there to be an announcement indicating not only the NEXT train station, but the CURRENT train station. In other words, instead of just announcing “Prochaine Arret, Next Stop —-” right after the train leaves a station, it should ALSO say “Gare —, —- Station!” whenever it arrives, as the doors open.
This small gesture would go a LONG way towards improving the quality of life of many commuters. There are a lot of us who leave Lucien Lallier after a hard day’s work and are so exhausted we can’t always concentrate on where we are. When you add the fact that the stations aren’t well lit and we can’t see the signs in the dark when we’ve stopped, and it’s easy to get confused.
Just tonight, the woman next to me realized she missed her stop as the train left the station and the announcer stated that the next stop was Beaconsfield. She got up to leave and would have to make her way back to the station some how. Adults have to make do, but as I also got up and moved to another part of the train, I saw a young school kid suddenly realize that the train was LEAVING Beaconsfield, grabbed his bags and ran for the door, but it was too late. Frustrated and afraid, he started crying as the train made its way to the next stop. I would hate to be his father and worry as to why he wasn’t home on time after school.
This is not the Metro system. There isn’t a train heading in the opposite direction every 5 to 10 minutes. It is really important that commuters know where they are as the consequences could be quite dire for them.
Please, PLEASE take this request seriously. A response would really be appreciated. Thank you.
The next day, I got a letter back that seemed somewhat of a “form”. Simply that “We wish to inform you that train station announcements must be made at least once aboard our commuter trains but rest assured that we have taken note of your suggestion and transferred it to the appropriate authorities.” It then listed other ways of contacting the AMT and their hours of operation. I was a little upset but hoped the “appropriate authorities” really would get the letter.
Monday, going home, I got a very pleasant surprise. Made me happy. I wanted to write to them, but didn’t. Last night, on a different train, the same smile played about my face. This time, I did write, quoting the same email ticket number. Here’s what I said:
“Hello again. I took the 4:30pm train home on Monday, and the 6pm train home yesterday. Let me tell you that I was VERY happy to hear all the station announcements upon arrival at each station!
Thank you so much for taking my request seriously and actually implementing it. I know it will help many commuters and I really appreciate what you’ve done.
Thank you again!”
All things considered, it was a minor change with a major impact. I’m still surprised it wasn’t done earlier, but then again maybe they never had the idea. At any rate, I’m glad they’re doing it and I hope they continue to do so. If there’s anyone else who takes the Dorion-Rigaud line, it would probably be a nice thing to email them and let them know you appreciate the “new” service đ
