Jan 04, 2016 06:00:00

A movie explaining 'CBTC' that will be introduced to replace the train control system used for 80 years in the New York subway

As of 2015, the New York subway still uses a train control system that was introduced in 1930. This system has supported the New York subway for 80 years, but to address problems such as the difficulty of maintenance due to the old equipment and the inability to efficiently control trains for the increasing number of passengers, it has been decided to introduce a train control system using the latest radio called '

CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control)', and the MTA , which operates the New York subway, has released a movie explaining the old and new systems.

CBTC: Communications-Based Train Control - YouTube


Wynton Habersham, head of New York City Subway Service Delivery, explained the current train control system, which was installed 80 years ago, saying, 'In the midst of modernization, many of these old systems are now being phased out.'

A huge control device that looks very old.

Below is the interlocking machine that contains the important cables connecting each system. If a fire breaks out here, all of the subway systems will go down, so there is a huge risk. Therefore, the New York subway is promoting the introduction of a new system.

Currently, the New York subway uses a train control system called ' fixed block, ' which divides the line into sections called 'block sections.'

The block section detects the passage of a train, and only one train can enter one block section...

This system prevents trains from colliding with each other.

However, fixed blocks have limitations such as 'the exact position of trains cannot be grasped' and 'the speed of trains cannot be accurately controlled', and problems such as 'narrowing the gap between trains' and 'frequent operation' cannot be performed. In other words, on large routes with many users such as New York, this leads to delays in operation.

Furthermore, maintenance is difficult because the equipment needs to be installed on the tracks.

The New York subway decided to adopt a wireless train control system called 'CBTC,' which was also

adopted by JR East in Japan in 2014.

CBTC is

a moving block system in which devices are mounted on trains, which can constantly measure the train's exact position, speed, etc. and transmit this information wirelessly.

This system allows for a safe distance between trains to be maintained more safely and efficiently than conventional methods, leading to shorter intervals between trains.

This is the cab of a train equipped with CBTC equipment.

The measured data is displayed on the panel.

The area around the handle looks like this.

Attached to the bottom of the train is an antenna called 'TIA (Transponder Interrogator Antenna)' that is essential for wireless communication. Communication between trains is carried out here. Unlike the fixed block system, there is no need to lay various equipment and cables on the tracks, which also leads to reduced maintenance costs.