Why are porters permitted to enter token booths?

Porters are permitted to enter token booths primarily to relieve the railroad clerk. This practice ensures that operations continue smoothly and efficiently, particularly during periods when the clerk may need a break or when additional support is required to manage ticket sales and customer inquiries effectively. Allowing porters to take on this responsibility helps maintain service standards and minimizes delays for passengers needing assistance.

The option to clean the booths suggests a maintenance role, which is generally not the primary duty of porters. Similarly, while assisting with ticket sales is a potential task, the direct role of relieving the clerk takes priority over other functions that may be performed. Organizing staffing schedules is typically the responsibility of management rather than porters, further reinforcing that their role aligns more closely with providing immediate operational support rather than administrative tasks.