This structural enclosure sits at the ends of passenger cars, providing a weather-tight and safe walkway between moving equipment. It typically houses the exterior side doors and trap doors over the steps used for boarding. The flexible diaphragm connecting two vestibules keeps wind, rain, and noise out of the passenger compartments while the train negotiates curves.
Heard on the job
Make sure the trap doors in the vestibule are latched tight before we leave the station.
Insider tip
Conductors often stand in the vestibule during station approaches to observe the platform and operate the doors.