We don't have subways here, but the city busses typically have side windows that can open in an emergency. I kind of wonder if those subways are similar, but people couldn't see how to open them in the dark and smoke.

Note, I recall something like this regarding "real" trains here in the US. Something about the glass being bulletproof and some accident where people couldn't find the emergency latches and as a result were trapped inside. I recall as a result they had overhauled the regulations to make sure things could be seen easier. Wish I could remember the details.

-john


Edit:

I think I found the reference. RAR-97/02 , Collision and Derailment of Maryland Rail Commuter MARC Train 286 and National Railroad Passenger Corporation AMTRAK Train 29 Near Silver Spring, MD February 16, 1996.

Specifically, starting at p58, Passenger Car Safety Standards.