The stop chain in the train, meant to be pulled for emergencies - failed to help in a real crisis, when a 17-year-old college student fell off a crowded local earlier this week. Even though a fellow commuter pulled the chain immediately, the train did not stop until it reached the next station. This delay not only cost precious time, but also the teen's life.

It is the norm for trains to take a long halt at the next station after the chain is pulled. But perhaps it is time the authorities step up the safety response.