Thanks to the current NYC subway chaos, I’ve learned a new subway term:

When the system is working normally, rush-hour trains can run so frequently that one seems almost to ride another’s tail.

Now on the A tracks at Canal, Mr. Capone said, a rare condition occurs known as “absolute block.” That means that before a train can pull out of the station, there can be nothing on the tracks between Canal and Chambers. No trains. No workers. The only exceptions to the rule scurried along the track bed on four hairy legs.

I actually experienced this last night, while riding the A from the Village down to Matt’s place. We were stalled at Canal Street for a few minutes. Guess this’ll be the norm for a little while.