JERUSALEM — Automation software for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority could be part of a program announced Thursday by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during a trade mission to Israel.
Cuomo announced a $2 million partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority for two new programs. One, Smart Cities Innovation Partnership, will share innovative technologies, research, talent, and business resources between cities in New York and those in Israel. Noting that companies in Israel are working on driverless technology, Cuomo suggested a rail application could allow the New York Transit Authority, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North to operate with shorter running times, decreased train spacing, and less human error would be attainable. Companies in this sector could be looking at a project of well over $1 billion and receive cash and state tax incentives as well as becoming an MTA vendor.
Cuomo’s delegation included Ronnie Hakim, the MTA’s managing director, and Robert Mujica, the state’s budget director and an MTA board member. Hakim, quoted by Politico, said, “As the MTA embarks on a historic transformation, we want to make sure the best in class companies with the most innovative ideas and products know our needs and can respond.”
The punchline here is that this technology already exists (CBTC) and is already in use/being installed in NYC. No need for a trade partnership. We just need a governor willing to listen to the recommendations of NYCT staff.
The PTC mandate has nothing to do with subways and metro systems. It only applies to mainline railroads.
Is it like the WMTA that has driverless technology but with a person in cab for backup? Remember June 22, 2009 crash? I hope technology is better 10 years later, but in reality, 10 years is a short time ago. Its been 11 years since PTC was mandated, Gee, How time flies huh?