New York Computerizes its Subway System

Iphtashu Fitz writes "New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority launched it's first fully computer controlled subway line this month. The `L' Line of the MTA that connects the southern part of Manhattan with Brooklyn was picked for this pilot program because of its relatively short length and the fact that it doesn't share tracks with any other lines. Trains on this line no longer have conductors on board, and only a single driver in the front to monitor all the systems. What's the big deal, you may ask? After all, cities like San Francisco and Paris already have computerized subway lines. Well, having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary the MTA is one of the oldest subway systems in the United States, and one of the largest in the world. If all goes well, the MTA will continue to expand automated service to the rest of the subway system over the next 20 years. But just how safe and secure will these new automated lines be? The radio links that provide data communication between the trains and the control center are encrypted, but how long until a hacker manages to crack it?"

Comments

Re:Potential problems

[timealterer]

Here in Vancouver, we occasionally have an issue on our automated rapid transit trains with people holding the doors. Luckily, in the absense of a conductor to yell at the fool holding everybody up, the other train passengers take on this role. The doors will try to close, and if obstructed, will re-open for about 2 seconds. If you're still in the way a second time, people start to voice their annoyance that you're making them late for work.

Underwhelmed. Nuremberg goes driverless.

[alphorn]

Nuremberg will introduce a completely driverless subway next year. Good article with lots of pictures. See (partially English) PDF