Northern Light
Superstar
I can sort of see why the Union would want to put up barriers between the operator and passengers.
With the increase in the numbers of mentally ill and homeless using the system as a shelter it is no surprise that the Union would want to separate people. They likely want to protect their members from a homeless person strung out on drugs (or with hygiene issues) coming into contact with the operator.
If nothing else, separate passengers and staff may help fend off any unsafe work refusals.
When operating a vehicle from a cab with a closed door; the additional cloth barrier is an immaterial difference to anyone's safety.
When entering and exiting the cab, in order to leave the train for a crew change etc, there's also no change to vulnerability.
It strikes me as an odd 'feel good' thing that makes absolutely no tangible difference.
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* The one thing I would note where this might be seen as useful to an operator, is the increasing tendency of those with bikes, often E-Bikes, to park them in that spot beside the cab on Line 2 trains.
That actually obstructs entering/exiting the cab, and in light of the recent fire, may also be seen as an added safety risk if the bike is literally blocking the cab door.