Does P&W (SEPTA rt 100) still use electric flagstops?

[Jeff nor Lisa]

Does SEPTA's Rt 100 Norristown High Speed Line (Phila & Western)
still use electric flagstop signals at its stations? That is,
at certain stations, do passengers still pull a cord to turn on
a signal so the train knows to stop there? (The signal is
reset when the train passes by).

[Edward Murphy]

Yes

Post by Jeff nor Lisa
Does SEPTA's Rt 100 Norristown High Speed Line (Phila & Western)
still use electric flagstop signals at its stations? That is,
at certain stations, do passengers still pull a cord to turn on
a signal so the train knows to stop there? (The signal is
reset when the train passes by).

[Jefferson Lee Eng]

Post by Jeff nor Lisa
Does SEPTA's Rt 100 Norristown High Speed Line (Phila & Western)
still use electric flagstop signals at its stations? That is,
at certain stations, do passengers still pull a cord to turn on
a signal so the train knows to stop there? (The signal is
reset when the train passes by).

Actually, it's a push button, but except for the Villanova, Bryn Mawr,
and terminal stops, passengers that want to board the next scheduled
Rt 100 at an intermediate stop have to push the button to signal to
the driver operator that a stop is required.

Signed,
Jefferson Eng

[Matthew Mitchell]

Post by Jefferson Lee Eng
Actually, it's a push button, but except for the Villanova, Bryn Mawr,
and terminal stops, passengers that want to board the next scheduled
Rt 100 at an intermediate stop have to push the button to signal to
the driver operator that a stop is required.

As Jefferson said, they're pushbuttons now (replaced the cords c. 1980).

For those who are interested, the way that the signals drop when a train
stops at the station, but don't drop when an express comes through is as
follows:

There is a fourth rail at the flag stop stations, under the platform where
the third rail shoe would contact it. That's connected to a time-delay
relay, or something like that. When a train is at the station, current
flows from the third rail to the shoes on that side to the shoes on the
opposite side to the fourth rail. If the current stays on long enough (as
in a train stopping, or proceeding through slowly, which is what operators
did when the signal was set and no passengers were visible), the signal
goes off. If an express comes through, it doesn't shunt the fourth rail
long enough to drop the relay, so it stays on.

[Jeff nor Lisa]

Post by Jefferson Lee Eng

Post by Jeff nor Lisa
Does SEPTA's Rt 100 Norristown High Speed Line (Phila & Western)
still use electric flagstop signals at its stations?

Actually, it's a push button, but except for the Villanova, Bryn Mawr,
and terminal stops, passengers that want to board the next scheduled
Rt 100 at an intermediate stop have to push the button to signal to
the driver operator that a stop is required.

I understand NJT River Line trains will stop at every station,
regardless if there is a passenger or not. Given the light
patronage expected, especially during off peak hours, I suspect
many stops will be unnecessary. That wastes run time as well
as adds wear on the brakes and fuel for acceleration.

(For instance, I really doubt many people will board at
Cass St or Hamilton Ave to go northbound).

Accordingly, they should have a pull cord on board the vehicle,
and some sort of signal at the stations. Even though the line
is diesel, it would be easy to put in some sort of timing
or reset circuit.

[Karen Y Byrd]

Post by Jeff nor Lisa
Does SEPTA's Rt 100 Norristown High Speed Line (Phila & Western)
still use electric flagstop signals at its stations? That is,
at certain stations, do passengers still pull a cord to turn on
a signal so the train knows to stop there? (The signal is
reset when the train passes by).

It's no longer a pull-cord but a button you push. Been that
way for years.

KByrd