768K views · Jul 20, 2015 · 9:26 · 2 HN recommenders · 6 mentions · discussed 2015–2022
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.
Why Hacker News points people here: Cited as a view into how outdated and error-prone NYC subway signaling is, and how antique interlocking systems work.
“Well made video that helps understand the interlocks - if you like antique systems!”HN comment, 2018
“There was this great video last year, illustrating how outdated and error prone the signalling technology in the NY subway is”
Shows how outdated and error prone NY subway signalling is
There was this great video last year, illustrating how outdated and error prone the signalling technology in the NY subway is: this video
“Well made video that helps understand the interlocks - if you like antique systems!”
Explains interlocks in antique subway signal systems
"They even put out a video that gleefully shows off the worst stuff. Look at how broken it is! Look at how old!" this video Well made video that helps understand the interlocks - if you like antique systems!
“There is this[1] video from the MTA that goes into the signaling system, which is extremely old”
MTA video on the old signaling system
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] this video
“The person featured in this video ruffled quite a few feathers when it was released”
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: this video
“They are literally historical relics.”
Shows the 1930s mechanical signals being replaced by CBTC
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. this video
“A similarly embarrassing state of affairs is the train traffic control system used by the NYC subway system”
A similarly embarrassing state of affairs is the train traffic control system used by the NYC subway system: this video
