Signaling of the New York City Subway: Difference between revisions

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has plans to upgrade the entire New York City Subway system with communication-based train control (CBTC) technology, which will control the speed and starting and stopping of subway trains. Trains locate themselves based on measuring their distance past fixed transponders installed between the rails. Trains report their location to a wayside Zone Controller via radio, and the Controller issues Movement Authorities to the trains. This technology upgrade will allow trains to be operated at closer distances (slightly increasing capacity) and will allow the MTA to keep track of trains in real time and provide more information to the public regarding train arrivals and delays.^[1] Only newer-generation rolling stock that were first delivered in the early 2000s, the R143s and 64 R160s (8313-8376) are equipped for CBTC operation. Future car orders, specifically the R179, R188, and the R211 will also be designed to be CBTC compatible. By 2027, all revenue cars, except those on the G, J, M, Z and S trains, will be equipped with CBTC.^[2]

The BMT Canarsie Line was the first line to implement the automated technology, using Siemens's Trainguard MT CBTC system.^[3]

The subway system currently uses Automatic Block Signaling with fixed wayside signals and automatic train stops. Many portions of the signaling system were installed between the 1930s and 1960s. Some replacement parts must be custom built for the MTA, as they are otherwise unavailable from signaling suppliers. As these aging signaling components are in need of replacement anyway, CBTC is seen as a way to increase capacity on lines that have already maxed out the capabilities of the current system.

The system currently uses block signalling, which is used in other systems such as the Toronto subway and RT. The block signals that the New York City Subway currently uses is identical to those on the RT's signaling system.

• 
  Proceed
• 
  Proceed with caution, next signal is currently red
• 
  Stop. Passing this signal trips the train stop
• 
  Entering timed block, next signal is red only due to grade timing
• 
  Timed block, timer has not yet run out (red light flashes when timer is about to run out), next block is timed as well as lunar aspect is indicated (in this example this signal would only clear to yellow)

The system also has automatic and manual key-by red lights. They involve the operation of an automatic stop with an automatic or manual release, then procedure with caution, preparing to stop in case of debris on the track.

A Station Time signal, also used in the system, allows trains to close in on each other in a station if they slow down enough.

Aside from some parts of the original IRT system, the entire subway uses this signalling system.^[4]

Interlocking signals are used in interlockings, which are any areas where train movements may conflict with each other. They are controlled by human operators in a signal tower near the switches, not by the trains themselves. A train operator must use a punch box to notify the switch operator of which track the train needs to go. The operator has a switchboard in their tower that allows them to change the switches.

Interlocking signals also tell switch operators which way switches on the subway are set. The following interlocking signals are used on the New York City Subway:

• 
  Proceed, switch set to straight
• 
  Proceed with caution, switch set to straight, next signal is currently red
• 
  Proceed with caution, switch set to diverge
• 
  Stop and stay
• 
  Call on (train has been given permission to pass red signal)
• 
  Entering timed block, switch set to straight, next signal is red only due to grade timing
• 
  Entering timed block, switch set to diverge
• 
  Timed block, timer has not yet run out (top red light flashes when timer is about to run out), next block is timed as well as lunar aspect is indicated (in this example this signal would only clear to yellow over green)^[5]

The New York City Subway currently uses one person train operation (OPTO) in subway services that use rolling stock that is under 300 feet (91 metres) long. Only a handful of services do this. In other services, two people operate the train—an engineer in the front and a conductor in the middle.

The rolling stock used is in parentheses after the subway service. The rolling stock used is accurate as of November 2013. CBTC implementation on the L train has replaced the OPTO formerly used on that service.

Full-time OPTO:

• 42nd Street Shuttle (R62A; two operators switch between cabins at each terminal)
• Franklin Avenue Shuttle (R68)
• Rockaway Park Shuttle (R46)
• G train ((R68, R68A)

Part-time OPTO:

• 5 train during late nights (R142)
• A train on Ozone Park – Lefferts Boulevard branch during late nights (R46)
• L train whenever the service operates with ATO (R143, R160)
• M train during off-peak hours (R160)
• R train during late nights (R160)

The 42nd Street Shuttle, which runs from Grand Central to Times Square, was briefly automated from 1959 to 1964. The chairman of the Board of Transportation, Sidney H. Bingham, in 1954, first proposed of a conveyor belt like system for the shuttle line. Charles Patterson, a few years later, as the President of the newly formed New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) told of a vision of automated mass transit, without relying on the use of motormen. General Electric responded to Patterson's speech, stating that this technology was feasible, and that the company was interested in the idea of automating the New York City subway.^[6]

Representatives of General Electric, Westinghouse (traction), General Railway Signal (GRS) and Union Switch and Signal (US&S) (signals) and WABCO (Westinghouse Air Brake Company - brakes) met with Patterson and together planned to automate the 42nd Street Shuttle as a prototype for an automated system. The NYCTA was to supply the rolling stock, while the signal companies were tasked with the installation, maintenance and technological oversight of the automation process, including signalling. An express track on the BMT Sea Beach Line was first used to demonstrate the technology, before it could be applied for passenger service. The stretch of track from 18th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue was used, as it best replicated the length of the shuttle line.

The idea of automation at that time relied on commands that were sent to the train while the train is at a station, to keep its doors open. When the commands cease, the doors would promptly close. A new series of commands would start the train and gradually accelerate it to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h), maintaining that speed. This is only under the condition that no other command overrides it. When approaching the next station, there was an insulated rail joint, where if the train had passed it, new command would come to slow it to 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h). Inside the station, new commands at another insulated rail joint would command the train to stop. At the station, the train would have opened its doors, reversed course (as this is a two station shuttle line) and the lighting for the directional signs would be changed to match its new destination.^[7]

A handful of R22s were used for the line. The cars, however, were fitted with different types of brake shoes, to see which one would negotiate the rail joints better. It was eventually found that the automated trip took 10 seconds longer than manual operation (about 95 seconds, compared to 85 seconds). As the tests on the Sea Beach line progressed, grade time stops were added to insure safety on the line, and on the 42nd Street line. The train was dubbed SAM, and was to operate on Track 4 of the shuttle line. It was demonstrated to officials in 1960, and was still running without passengers until January 4, 1962. A motorman was to be present and take over in case if there were any problems. The demise of the line came with a fire at Grand Central Station on April 21, 1964. The automation, however, provided the framework for automated rapid transit technology on BART (San Francisco) and PATCO Speedline (Philadelphia-Camden-Lindenwold).

The Canarsie Line, on which the L subway service runs, was chosen for CBTC pilot testing because it is a self-contained line that does not operate in conjunction with other subway lines in the New York City subway system. The 10-mile length of the Canarsie Line is also shorter than the majority of other subway lines. As a result, the signaling requirements and complexity of implementing CBTC are easier to install and test than the more complicated subway lines that have junctions and share trackage with other lines.^[1]

The project was first proposed in 1992 and approved by the MTA in 1997.^[1] Installation of the signal system was begun in 2000 and was mostly completed by December 2006.^[3] Due to an unexpected ridership increase on the Canarsie Line, the MTA ordered more cars and these were put into service in 2010. This enabled the agency to operate 26 trains per hour up from the May 2007 service level of 15 trains per hour, an achievement that would not be possible without the CBTC technology.^[3]

The next line to have CBTC installed will be the IRT Flushing Line and its new extension (7 and <7>​ trains). The Flushing line is being chosen for the next implementation of CBTC because it is also a self-contained line with no direct connections to other subway lines currently in use. Funding is in the 2010–2014 capital budget for CBTC installation on the Flushing line, with scheduled installation completion in 2016.^[8] The R188 cars have been ordered to equip the line with compatible rolling stock. This order consists of new cars and retrofits of existing R142A cars for CBTC.

The MTA is also seeking funding for implementation of CBTC on the IND Queens Boulevard Line. CBTC is to be installed on this line in five phases, with phase one (50th Street to Forest Hills – 71st Avenue) being included in the 2010-2014 capital budget. Estimated cost for phase one is 483.7 million dollars with 125 million dollars being provided in the capital budget. The contract for the installment of phase one is expected to be awarded in 2013. Total cost for the entire Queens Boulevard Line is estimated at over 900 million dollars.^[8]

In addition, funding is allocated for the installation of CBTC equipment on one of the IND Culver Line express tracks between Fourth Avenue and Church Avenue. Total cost is 99.6 million dollars with 15 million dollars coming from the 2005-2009 capital budget (phase one) and 84.6 million from the 2010-2014 capital budget (phase two). The installation is a joint venture between Siemens and Thales Group. The estimated completion date has been placed on March 2015.

The MTA projects that 355 miles of track will receive CBTC signals by 2029, including most of the IND, as well as the IRT Lexington Avenue Line and the BMT Broadway Line.^[2] The MTA also is planning to install CBTC equipment on the IND Crosstown Line, the BMT Fourth Avenue Line and the BMT Brighton Line before 2025.^[9]

• Second Avenue Subway
• 7 Subway Extension

• L train route map and station listing
• 7 train route map and station listing
• [1]
• Block signalling in the New York City Subway