The driver was a train dispatcher filling in for striking motormen.
His family moved often as a child, his father being a train dispatcher with frequent new assignments.
The system used a set of rules when direct communication between train dispatchers and trains was limited or non-existent.
Cutting the 14 positions - 2 train dispatchers and 12 ticket collectors - is expected to save $2.1 million a year.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the voice began, "this is your train dispatcher."
He called the train dispatcher at Grand Central, who notified the police.
The accident was "due to a mistake in train dispatcher's orders."
This information was not passed on to the train dispatcher.
To the north of the tracks there was a makeshift wooden building that served the administration and the train dispatcher.
He could obtain a right of way order from the train dispatcher on that grade, sometimes of an hour's duration.