The news comes just months after the introduction of a modern, computerized signaling system called Communications Based Train Control on the line that has already led to dramatic increases in on-time performance and other metrics associated with good service. Automatic Train Operation is expected to further improve customer commutes on the line.
“I am tremendously proud and excited to announce that New York City Transit train operators are now running the entire Flushing Line using automatic train operation, which will make trips smoother and faster for all our customers on that line” says NYC Transit President Andy Byford. “I am so thankful to our new signals guru Pete Tomlin and the entire NYC Transit signals team, as well as our train operators who are great partners in our efforts to improve service. It’s no coincidence that the two lines with (Communications Based Train Control) and (Automatic Train Operation) have the best performance in the system, and we’re excited about what the future may bring as we explore emerging additional technologies such as ultra-wideband communications, which could revolutionize the way we modernize the system, as envisaged by our Fast Forward plan.”
Under manual train operation, individual train operators with varying degrees of experience and confidence control the rates of speed including braking and acceleration.
Under Automatic Train Operation, the train is programmed to automatically provide optimal acceleration, braking and cruising speeds, providing more regular and evenly spaced service and smoother, faster trips. Operators continue to instruct the train to depart a station, make sure that tracks are clear throughout the ride, and control emergency braking in the case of obstacles.
–From an MTA press release
I think Miami Metrorail has had that for over a decade. There’s an operator onboard but he/she rarely touch controls, Ive seen them first hand, Metrorail cars in Miami have a great view, but Im referring to the old cars, I haven’t been on the new railcars yet.
Have spent time in Copenhagen and enjoyed riding its clean, fast, and completely automatic system. Not a driver or conductor insight. Shows it can be done.
BART has had this since it started in 1972. NYC Subway has an incredibly antiquated signaling system. This is a step in the right direction. This will also allow them to show train arrival and timing information, which already exists on the L train.
For NYCTA this is spending money to save money. As NYCTA is able to deploy CBTC the immediate effect is to reduce by half the number of personal on trains(from a 2 person motorman/conductor to just a motorman or transit operator). Additionally it also gives them the ability, as CBTC is deployed, to remove the punchboxes(another maintenance expense). Further as time goes on NYCTA will be able to start consolidating signal towers(an oxymoron in a subway) to a central location.
The NYCTA is going to have to negotiate with the unions, TWU (the main union effected) has already negotiated train staffing levels for one operator trains.