Train “Easy Transfer and Exit Guides”

This is one thing that I really miss about Japan (although I only remember seeing these in Tokyo). My job in Tokyo demanded that I go to different stations everyday for work. The train network alone is already a crazy nightmare to the inexperienced traveller (JR, Metro, and a hundred other private lines all weaved together), and nothing’s worse than getting off the train and not knowing which direction to go next, especially when you’re pressed for time. But once you get used to it, it’s not so bad.

These Easy Transfer and Exit Guides were a lifesaver for me. During morning rush hour, it’s crucial to know which car to get on and off of that is closest to your transfer or exit gate, especially when a train could be 14 cars long! The time savings is extremely important especially when transfer times could be as short as 1 or 2 minutes.

I really wish the TTC would adopt this (I actually already emailed them this as a suggestion). It’s really easy to put together and it helps a lot more than you know it. Not just for exits and transfer points, but also where the escalators, elevators and washrooms are. In Toronto whenever I enter a subway station, I’ve already memorized where my exit will be and which car (and door) to board the train. My friends always thought I was crazy to memorize so many station exits, but I guess that’s just what happens after having lived and worked in Tokyo.

Written by Nam Chuong
JETAA Website Director

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