CBTC: Communications-Based Train Control
mtainfo2 HN recommenders · 2015–2022
767K views · explainer · dated · Uploaded 2015-07-20
An MTA video on communications-based train control, the system meant to replace the New York City subway's century-old signaling. It also shows the mechanical interlocks and signals in use today.
Cited as a view into how outdated and error-prone NYC subway signaling is, and how antique interlocking systems work.
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6 comments from Hacker News
A similarly embarrassing state of affairs is the train traffic control system used by the NYC subway system: [VIDEO]
There was this great video last year, illustrating how outdated and error prone the signalling technology in the NY subway is: [VIDEO]
There is this[1] video from the MTA that goes into the signaling system, which is extremely old and in the process of getting updated in certain sections. [1] [VIDEO]
Yes - at some of the stations the people directing the trains only know when it has left a station, and when it gets to the next one. Some of it is still controlled with vacuum tubes and switchboards. The person featured in this video ruffled quite a few feathers when it was released: [VIDEO]
"They even put out a video that gleefully shows off the worst stuff. Look at how broken it is! Look at how old!" [VIDEO] Well made video that helps understand the interlocks - if you like antique systems!
Not all of the NYC subway has ATS. The current signals being replaced by CBTC date from the 1930s, and are mechanically operated. They are literally historical relics. [VIDEO]