Technology of the New York City Subway
A similar countdown-clock project for the B Division (lettered routes) and the IRT Flushing Line was deferred until 2016, when a new Bluetooth-based clock system was tested successfully.
Cellular phone and wireless data in stations, first installed in 2011 as part of a pilot program, was expanded systemwide due to positive passenger feedback.
12 miles (19 km) of sewers, as well as water and gas mains, electric conduits, and New York City steam system pipes had to be rerouted.
[12][13] More recent projects use tunnel boring machines, which minimize disruption at street level and avoid already existing utilities, but increase cost.
[33] In 2016, Siemens and Thales were awarded a contract to install CBTC on the IND Queens Boulevard Line from 50th Street/8th Avenue and 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center to Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike.
[43] Following a series of incidents during one week in November 2016, in which 3 people were injured or killed after being pushed into tracks, the MTA started to consider installing platform edge doors for the 42nd Street Shuttle.
[44] By 2017, a pilot program for platform screen door technology was underway at the Pelham Parkway station in the Bronx.
[46] In October 2017, it was announced that as part of a pilot program, the Canarsie Line's Third Avenue station was planned to be refitted with platform screen doors while the 14th Street Tunnel was rebuilt from April 2019 to March 2020.
The platform edges and topping would be removed and replaced so that they align with the sills of the train doors and to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
To ensure that people do not get trapped in between the subway car doors and the PSDs, sensors and CCTV cameras would be installed with monitors at the center and front of the platforms visible to the train operator and conductor.
[52] Stations constructed as part of the Second Avenue Subway's Phase 2 may receive platform screen doors depending on the results of studies being conducted for their installation elsewhere.
[54][55] The announcement came after several people had been shoved onto tracks, including one incident that led to the death of Michelle Go at the Times Square stations.
[55] On July 13, 2022, the MTA released a request for proposals for a design-build contract to install PSDs at the three pilot stations.
The platforms at the stations will be rebuilt to support the weight of the PSDs, including the replacement of concrete and rubbing boards, the repositioning of tactile tiles, and steel reinforcement.
This program involves a more drastic approach than previous construction, and completely shuts down a major portion of a line for overnight work on four consecutive weeknights from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.[77] According to the MTA, this new program proved much more efficient and quicker than regular service changes, especially because it happened at night and not the weekend, when most transit closures had occurred before.
[100] Passenger amenities included next-train countdown clocks and neighborhood wayfinding maps at the exterior of each entrance; digital maps, MetroCard vending machines, and station agent booths situated in a central location in the mezzanine; and digital next-train information and service change notices at platform level.
[109] The New York City Transit and Bus Committee officially recommended that the MTA Board award the $111 million contract for Package 3 to ECCO III Enterprises in October 2017.
[113] An additional package included the Metro-North Railroad stations at White Plains, Harlem–125th Street, Crestwood, Port Chester, and Riverdale.
[122] The ESI packages were put back for a vote in February, and the two contracts were ultimately approved, with three city representatives dissenting.
[97][98] In 2003, the MTA signed a $160 million contract with Siemens Transportation Systems to install digital real-time message boards (officially Public Address Customer Information Screens, or PA/CIS[129]) at 158 of its IRT stations to display the number of minutes until the arrival of the next trains.
[151] This was attributed to the rate of installation of Wi-Fi and 3G systems in subway stations, which, among other things, makes countdown clocks viable.
[152] In August 2016, a 90-day testing period began for updated countdown clocks on eight BMT Broadway Line stations on the N, Q, R, and W services.
In the first program, introduced in early 2006, the MTA signed a deal with MasterCard to test out a new radio-frequency identification card payment scheme.
[170][171][172][173] However, this trial was the debut of having a rider use the VISA PayWave debit or credit card to enter the system, which started on August 1, 2010.
[183][184] The newer HEETs resemble several older turnstiles of that design informally called "iron maidens", and are prevalent at subway entrances without token booths to discourage fare evasion.
It lists any planned work or service changes occurring on the subway as well as information to help travelers find landmarks or locales near the stations with an OTG outlet, with advertisements as well.
kiosks were to receive an interface overhaul as a result of the MTA's partnership with Control Group, a technology and design consultancy firm.
[223] The New York City Subway began to provide underground cellular phone with voice and data service, and free Wi-Fi to passengers in 2011 at six stations in Chelsea, Manhattan.
[234][235][236] The entire project was completed for $300 million, with Transit Wireless sharing revenues derived from the network's service with the MTA.
[246][247] The same month, the MTA awarded a $600 million contract to Transit Wireless for the installation of cellular and Wi-Fi equipment at these stations and in subway tunnels.
