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February 24, 2009

Closing Bell: Robo Train Has Arrived

l-train-sign.jpgStarting today, the L train is finally a robo train. The line will be fully controlled by a computerized signal system. The system will enable "the NYC Transit to run trains closer together, more frequently, and safer than the current antiquated signal system allows." Motormen will still be on the trains though just in case a problem arises. When a rider was asked by NY Daily News about it, he replied, "I have to be honest. I'm a little afraid." Are you afraid of your line becoming a robo train?
Photo by okreitz.




Posted by TCulver at 4:00 PM | Comments (19)
Categories: Closing Bell, Transportation

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Comments

Just in time for the budget cuts that will entail running less trains.

Posted by: oldrte10 at February 24, 2009 4:06 PM

Running more trains, closer together without someone watching seems like a recipe for disaster...but you never know. Does this mean that we can now avoid the huge delay in train service at the terminal stations? If you're getting off at the Rockaway Parkway or 8th Ave. stations for example, the trains have a tendency to sit at the second to last stops for quite some time before finally pulling into the terminals. I've always wondered why that delay existed...isn't there any communication between the train and the terminal stations? I guess now we'll see.

Posted by: BrookLynn at February 24, 2009 4:16 PM

Aren't some of the more modern system in the world robo? Like Tokyo?

Posted by: Prodigal_Son at February 24, 2009 4:17 PM

Yes, Tokyo is. It's also clean, efficient and profitable.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 24, 2009 4:22 PM

It's difficult to imagine the MTA operating trains worse than they do now. Most other modern transit services around the world run automated systems without incident. This allows greater capacity at lower operating costs. Makes sense to me, especially if a #6 is driving the train.

Posted by: neilw at February 24, 2009 4:24 PM

If it means the train comes more frequently and then gets me to my destination faster, they can run the trains on voodoo and fairy dust for all I care.

Posted by: mattt at February 24, 2009 4:26 PM

How good are the robots at organizing train evacuations during track fires and power failures?

If you break down under the east river, do you become a future archeological find or do you get out at some point?

Posted by: northsloperenter at February 24, 2009 4:27 PM

neilw -- Was that a BSG reference? Nice.

Posted by: mattt at February 24, 2009 4:27 PM

read the article: all trains will still have drivers AND conductors

Posted by: 11215 at February 24, 2009 4:32 PM

Nothing could be worse than the current incompetent system.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 24, 2009 4:36 PM

I'm 100% behind any initiatives to modernize the NYC subway system. It's fallen way behind.

Altho I do not want to emulate the part of Tokyo's transit system where people are literally shoved in like sardines by track employees. What a horrible, claustrophobic thing that must be.

Posted by: cwbuecheler at February 24, 2009 4:59 PM

What does the transit workers' union say about this? It seems like they're effectively outsourcing a great deal of middle-class jobs.

Posted by: mlp475 at February 24, 2009 5:02 PM

Since the trains still have drivers and attendants, what is the real purpose? I guess they mush have surplus money that they needed to spend somewhere. The L is my main train so I would love to see better efficiency and less crowded trains, but just not sure how this is going to do anything for that when overall they have cut the amount of trains. Now there will just be automated crowded trains still paying the same labor costs plus computer expenses. Whose uncle of a board member owns the computer company?

Posted by: williamsburgguy at February 24, 2009 5:18 PM

do the tokyo robo trains have motormen on them for safety / emergency purposes?

Posted by: bowl of dicks at February 24, 2009 5:51 PM

I can see it already: "The Taking of Robotrain Rock-Park-Eighth", where the train is remotely take over by an irate MTA IT person, who only wants an unlimited Metrocard as part of their compensation package. Watch the L speed out of control at the warp speed of 15MPH!!! Thrill to the [un]surprise ending, as the train stops dead in it's tracks due to budget problems!!! YES!!! A MUST SEE TOUR DE FARCE!!!

Posted by: Gallstoner at February 24, 2009 6:10 PM

it's the L train. the cheesiest train in nyc hands down. i think my last post didnt go thru, sorry for a double.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at February 24, 2009 7:46 PM

It would appear that the plan is to keep the trains manned until the system is proven (and current contracts are up) and then decreasing the amount of humans running the train until only skynet is left running the show. This way, after judgement day cyborgs will have an easier time getting to and from the city.

Posted by: kinetogenic at February 25, 2009 8:47 AM

@matt - indeed it was.

Posted by: neilw at February 25, 2009 1:34 PM

Oddly enough, I have noticed that in recent weeks the disparity between the times posted on the electronic billboard, the ones being announced by the robot, and the arrivals and departures of actual trains has greatly increased. It's like 3 different time tables, but figuring out if one of them might be right helps the wait go by.

Posted by: bkkkkklyn at February 25, 2009 3:33 PM

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