Loudspeaker Announcements

[RC '75]

Just before departing either Penn Station or Jamaica, I have heard the conductor or brakeman say, "Attention to the engineer, when you get the signal, we are TWO to go." I assume it is meant, "two" as in the number 2. Anyone know what this means?

[LIengineerBob]

The correct saying would be "you have two to go". That is done as a saftey precaution, as the conductor (or person operating the doors), usually has no idea if the signal is displayed for the train, and does it as a reminder to the engineer to check the signal before proceeding. This is not an "offical" rule, but one that is done to protect all involved with the movement of the train from running a stop signal.
You also might hear "restricting on the hanger" or something similar also said. This is done because the signal that governs the movement of the train is BEHIND the engineer and he/she has no way to see the signal governing movement of the train.