When should a motorman use a route request button?

The use of a route request button is crucial in signaling operations, particularly when a motorman needs to request a route change or confirmation of safe passage. The appropriate scenario for utilizing this button is when the signal indicates stop. This action serves as a safety measure, allowing the motorman to communicate with the train control system or dispatcher to ensure that moving forward is safe, even if the signal does not permit movement.

In this context, requesting a route change or confirmation is essential to avoid any potential hazards that may not be visible at the time. If a signal indicates stop, it is a precautionary moment to assess surroundings and confirm that it is safe to proceed, before the train operator can continue their journey.

Moreover, considering the other options provides clarity:

• When the signal indicates go, there is no need for a route request since the system has already verified that it is safe to proceed.
• At the end of the route, the train operator would typically be looking to signal peers or follow established procedures that do not necessarily require a request through the button.
• When passing through a station, the operator may need to follow specific station protocols but does not specifically invoke a route request unless there’s an indication that a routing change is warranted.

In summary,