Flashing red light, end of Eastbound Exchange Place platform

[drumz0rz]

I semi regularly take the PATH over to the WTC from Exchange Place. On my last crossing, a red light began flashing at the very end of the station a few minutes after the previous train departed and a few minutes before the next arrived. I've never seen it illuminated before like that. The station attendant at the end of the platform was also looking at it quizzically. Someone told her something over the radio and she responded (I was too far away to hear what they said). The signals were all green. The next train arrived with the light still flashing, I got on and we departed for, and arrived at the WTC as normal without incident.

Anyone know what that flashing red signal is? I think it has another small indicator light below it (like the signal on the westbound platform telling the engineer if the switch is sending him to Grove or Newport).

[Terry Kennedy]

I semi regularly take the PATH over to the WTC from Exchange Place. On my last crossing, a red light began flashing at the very end of the station a few minutes after the previous train departed and a few minutes before the next arrived. I've never seen it illuminated before like that. The station attendant at the end of the platform was also looking at it quizzically. Someone told her something over the radio and she responded (I was too far away to hear what they said). The signals were all green. The next train arrived with the light still flashing, I got on and we departed for, and arrived at the WTC as normal without incident.

Anyone know what that flashing red signal is? I think it has another small indicator light below it (like the signal on the westbound platform telling the engineer if the switch is sending him to Grove or Newport).

If it's what I think you're describing, it's a "Hold for orders" signal. They usually have an "O" plate below the single lens. They see a lot less use in modern times, since everyone has a radio. In some cases I've seen them blinking, it has been because somebody bumped a switch on the board and triggered it.

[Thomas]

f it's what I think you're describing, it's a "Hold for orders" signal. They usually have an "O" plate below the single lens. They see a lot less use in modern times, since everyone has a radio. In some cases I've seen them blinking, it has been because somebody bumped a switch on the board and triggered it.

What does bumped a switch on the board mean?

[lirr42]

What does bumped a switch on the board mean?

They flipped the switch by accident.

[OportRailfan]

I've also seen this flashing at the east end of the lower platform at Newark Penn, just west of the Dock Bridge span, coming out of the station. Seems to make sense as a train orders light.

[25Hz]

So, effectively it's a "hold button"?