page_title: Technology of the New York City Subway
section_title: Automation and signaling
hierarchical_section_title: Technology of the New York City Subway / Automation and signaling
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Fahrwegwähler (so genannte „punch box“) am Bahnhof 34.&#160;Straße an der BMT Broadway Line. Dieser Kasten hängt an der Außenwand neben dem nordwärts führenden Bummlergleis. Der Zugführer eines hier vorbeikommenden Zuges wählt hier seinen weiteren Fahrweg, indem er einen der Bedienknöpfe betätigt. Die Anforderung wird dem Fahrdienstleiter dann im Stellwerk durch eine Lampe signalisiert. Ist der Fahrweg hergestellt, betätigt der Fahrdienstleiter wiederum einen Knopf, um dies dem Zugführer über das Lämpchen neben dem Druckknopf mitzuteilen.In diesem Fall dient der obere Knopf zur Weiterfahrt auf diesem Gleis und der untere Knopf zur Weiterfahrt auf dem richtungsgleichen Expressgleis.Die Beschriftung ist in diesem Fall nicht vollständig. Neben dem R fehlt noch ein N für den anderen Broadway Local. English: Route selection box (“punch box”) at 34th&#160;Street station on the BMT Broadway Line.This panel is mounted there on the outside wall of the northbound local track. The conductor of an arriving train can select his route here by pushing one of these buttons to the right to alert the tower. Then, the tower operator would set the switches so that the train would go along the correct route, and he would push another button to signal the conductor the correct lineup by the lamp to the left.By pushing the upper button, the train will continue on the local track. Otherwise, the crossover switches in the tunnel ahead will be set properly to lead the train onto the paralleling express track.Actually, the signage is not complete. Next to the R, there should have been an N for the other Broadway Local.
context_page_description: Since the late 20th century, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has started several projects to maintain and improve the New York City Subway. Some of these projects, such as subway line automation, proposed platform screen doors, the FASTRACK maintenance program, and infrastructural improvements proposed in 2015–2019 Capital Program, contribute toward improving the system's efficiency. Others, such as train-arrival "countdown clocks", "Help Point" station intercoms, "On the Go! Travel Station" passenger kiosks, wireless and cellular network connections in stations, MetroCard fare payment alternatives, and digital ads, are meant to benefit individual passengers. Yet others, including the various methods of subway construction, do not directly impact the passenger interface, but are used to make subway operations efficient.
  In the mid-1990s, it started converting the BMT Canarsie Line to use communications-based train control, using a moving block signal system that allowed more trains to use the tracks and thus increasing passenger capacity. After the Canarsie Line tests were successful, the MTA expanded the automation program in the 2000s and 2010s to include other lines.
context_section_description: The MTA has plans to upgrade much of New York City Subway system from a fixed block signaling system to one with communications-based train control (CBTC) technology, which will control the speed and starting and stopping of subway trains. The CBTC system is mostly automated and uses a moving block system – which reduces headways between trains, increases train frequencies and capacities, and relays the trains' positions to a control room – rather than a fixed block system. This will require new rolling stock to be built for the subway system, as only newer trains can use CBTC systems.
  Trains using CBTC locate themselves based on measuring their distance past fixed transponders installed between the rails. Trains equipped with CBTC have a transponder interrogator antenna beneath each carriage, which communicates with the fixed trackside transponders and report the trains' location to a wayside Zone Controller via radio. Then, the Controller issues Movement Authorities to the trains. This technology upgrade will allow trains to be operated at closer distances, slightly increasing capacity; will allow the MTA to keep track of trains in real time and provide more information to the public regarding train arrivals and delays; and will obviate the need for complex interlocking towers. The trains are also equipped with high-tech computers inside the cab so that the conductor could monitor the train's speed and relative location.
caption: This is a punch box, used for signaling to a tower operator which line the train should use at a junction. This technology is no longer in use on the IRT (A Division); the signal system that allows countdown clocks also automates train identification and switching.
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