Generally, you don't need to worry about opening the doors of a train, as the conductor or operator is the one who does it. However, in some cases you must press a button or operate a handle to do so. You will also have to open the doors to move from one car to another or to escape in an emergency. In any case, you just have to find the handle or button and follow the instructions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Open entry and exit doors
Step 1. Check for buttons or handles near the doors
Some trains have buttons or handles that allow you to open or close the doors. In other cases, the driver is the one who controls the doors. Check well to see if there are handles or buttons near the doors.
- These buttons usually have a sign indicating their purpose, such as "Push to Open" or "Open" and "Close."
- Generally, the handles to open the doors are handles that turn sideways or slits in the doors themselves that allow you to slide them.
Step 2. Look for lights or signs that indicate when you can open the door
In many cases, the train has a light or a sign that announces when you can open the door. They are usually located above or next to the door. Sometimes the indication is also given as an announcement over the intercom.
If the train has an indicator, don't try to open the door until the light comes on or the announcement is made
Step 3. Once the train stops, open the door
If the train has buttons or handles to open and close the doors, wait until it comes to a complete stop. Then press the button or pull the handle.
Trains often have sensors that prevent doors from opening if they haven't come to a complete stop
Step 4. Wait for the driver to open the doors if the train doesn't have handles or buttons
In case the train does not have handles, buttons or other mechanisms for the doors, the driver or another person in charge will open them. So, wait for them to do so. If you try to do it yourself by force, you could injure yourself or damage the door mechanism.
Step 5. Get on or off the train quickly
Once the door is open, try to get in or out as efficiently as possible, keeping in mind that there are other people who must do the same. Stick to the side of the door once you do to make sure other passengers can get in or out of the train as well.
If you are entering the train, allow passengers to disembark first. In this way, the transit will be faster and smoother
Method 2 of 3: Use the doors that connect the wagons
Step 1. Check the train regulations regarding the change of wagons
Depending on the line or company, trains have different regulations regarding the movement between wagons. Generally, you will see signs or posters that indicate if it is prohibited. Make sure you read the directions to see if you can do it and when it's allowed.
- Some trains allow the crossing from one car to another, but only while they are stopped. If you cross while the vehicle is in motion, you may be forced to get off at the next stop or be charged a fine.
- Consider that the same company or line could have different regulations regarding this issue depending on the train model. Do not assume that if you have changed cars on one train before, you will be able to do it on all of them.
Step 2. Check if you can open the door
Not all trains have doors that connect the carriages. In some cases, even if they do, they could be permanently closed. Therefore, check for doors of this type. If so, find a button, knob, or lever that will allow you to open them.
Step 3. Open the door while the train is stopped
If possible, try to wait until the vehicle has stopped to change cars. Consider that the train is more stable while it is not moving. This will decrease the chances of tripping or hurting yourself.
Step 4. Wait until the train is on a flat track if you must transfer while it is in motion
If you can't wait for the vehicle to come to a stop, try to do it on a horizontal and straight stretch. This will make it easier to move from one car to another, as the turns and tilts can throw you off balance.
Step 5. Use the button or knob to open the train door and cross
Once the train has come to a complete stop or it is safe to move, use the button or knob to open the door. In the same way, you will find a button or knob on the door of another car to be able to board it.
Method 3 of 3: Open the doors in an emergency
Step 1. Check that there is no danger outside before opening the doors
Before trying to open the doors in an emergency, make sure it is safe to do so. Listen to the driver's instructions to see if there is a danger of flooding, electrical or other damage.
Never try to open the doors of a train while the vehicle is in motion
Step 2. Locate the emergency button, knob, or lever
Almost all trains have a way of opening the doors in an emergency. Most of them have a button, knob, or lever next to or above the door. Look for signs that indicate how the mechanism works. It could be a phrase like "Pull" or "Push."
In many cases, these are recessed, below surface level, in such a way that they are not accidentally actuated
Step 3. Press the button or pull the lever
Once you have determined that it is safe to proceed, push the button or pull the knob or lever as directed. In some cases, this could open the door halfway. If so, you will need to finish pushing or pulling the door manually.