Metrolinx introduces Shisa Kanko pointing practice for GO Transit trains

GO Transit passengers might notice something a little out of the ordinary when their train comes to a stop. The ancient Japanese practice of Shisa Kankois is being used to improve the door operations of the coaches and ultimately make the system safer, according to a blog on Metrolinx's website.

The pointing and calling safety practice has been used on Japanese railways for almost a century.

The Ontario transit system is adopting the dramatic hand gestures and loud calls that in Japan are signs of refinement and offer added safety.

GO Transit trains are now pulling into stations and opening their doors with the customer service ambassadors (CSAs) who are stationed in the accessibility coach and point at certain indicators and loudly call out their status. The instructions are not for riders and are only for the CSAs.