From: stephen@sprunk.org   
      
   On 11-Apr-15 08:36, Adam H. Kerman wrote:   
   > CTA discourages passengers from changing cars once they're on board.   
   >   
   > I agree in part and disagree in part. Platforms should be sized for   
   > expected boarding at the station, not the longest train. Passengers   
   > should be in the car with the doors that will open.   
      
   ... but when you combine that with the above, that means passengers are   
   supposed to know _when they board_ what cars will allow them to exit at   
   the destination.  That isn't an issue for daily commuters, but how are   
   tourists or occasional riders supposed to know this?  It's simpler and   
   more passenger-friendly to make all your platforms as long as the   
   longest train that stops there.   
      
   DART's at-grade stations have 300ft* platforms because that was the   
   longest train they currently operate; however, they knew they will   
   eventually have 400ft long trains, so above- and below-grade stations   
   (which are expensive to alter) have 400ft platforms, and the platforms   
   at most* at-grade stations were designed to be easily expanded.   
      
   * That's the length of a city block in downtown Dallas, where DART   
   currently operates in the streets.  That section will be made below   
   grade someday, which will allow longer trains.   
      
   S   
      
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