Tom & Alissa

Yesterday, on the 1 train in the Houston Street stop. I’m riding to work after IAM.

Train conductor: Blah blah, please stand clear of the closing doors.
Doors in our car close. Train just sits there.
Train conductor: Please stand clear of the closing doors.
Nothing happens.
Train conductor: Please stop holding the doors and allow the train to continue.
Nada.
Train conductor: Any MTA police on the train, please make your way to the second car.
Instantly, train starts moving. I exchange surreptitious smirks with several occupants.

Moral of the story: threats, even if they’re empty, work.