There might be security concerns over having less people on trains or in stations (see the controversy over token booth closings), but changing to this new control system needs to happen. It is the only way that NYCT will be able to run more trains on their already crowded lines to handle their ever increasing passenger loads. Security can be a separate discussion. I am interested to see how this system would work out with crowds and the always fun "door closings."
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csa | 7:13 PM |
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Unfortunately, though, the MTA's massive incompetence in keeping automated systems running (see the number of times even such basic things as escalators and turnstiles are broken) is enough to scare a large portion of riders. As someone who lives off the L, I'm just hoping I won't be on the train when the inevitable injury or fatality happens because the MTA cuts a corner in putting in this automation or fails to maintain the new system.
They're not running on computers (CBTC) yet, there will just be one driver (OPTO). The computerization has been postponed for a while. CBTC is still really new, and even though some cities use automated train control (ATO) this is a whole new ballgame. It will be interesting to see how this develops; the NYC system has a lot of room for capacity growth (except maybe the Lex ave line), thankfully, and this will help ensure that.
In DC we're used to one operator. I would never have thought NYC residents would be so sentimental about conductors!
