CBTC: Communications-Based Train Control
mtainfo2 HN recommenders · recommended in 2 months, 2015–2022
explainer · general · 2015–2022 on HN
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.
Cited as a view into how outdated and error-prone NYC subway signaling is, and how antique interlocking systems work.
Up next
4 mo on HNAnders Hejlsberg on Modern Compiler Construction
Kasper
4 HN recommender · 2018–2023
1 mo on HNThe Cult of Conformity in Silicon Valley
Y Combinator
2 HN recommender · 2023–2023
11 mo on HNDesigning the Ideal Bootstrapped Business with Jason Cohen
Rob Walling
13 HN recommender · 2020–2024
8 mo on HNJim Keller: Moore's Law, Microprocessors, and First Principles | Lex Fridman Podcast #70
Lex Fridman
8 HN recommender · 2020–2023
5 mo on HNThe Evolution of Bacteria on a “Mega-Plate” Petri Dish (Kishony Lab)
Harvard Medical School
6 HN recommender · 2016–2026
3 mo on HNMorris Chang, in conversation with Jen-Hsun Huang
Computer History Museum
3 HN recommender · 2012–2023
2 mo on HNThe Psychology of Human Misjudgement - Charlie Munger Full Speech
Vikas Ojha
2 HN recommender · 2023–2024
10 mo on HN"Performance Matters" by Emery Berger
Strange Loop Conference
12 HN recommender · 2019–2025
12 mo on HNHow Self-Driving Cars will Destroy Cities (and what to do about it)
Not Just Bikes
17 HN recommender · 2024–2026
11 mo on HNStroads are Ugly, Expensive, and Dangerous (and they're everywhere) [ST05]
Not Just Bikes
12 HN recommender · 2021–2025
10 mo on HNWhy This Channel Exists (and why I hate Houston)
Not Just Bikes
11 HN recommender · 2021–2025
10 mo on HNWhy American Cities Are Broke - The Growth Ponzi Scheme [ST03]
Not Just Bikes
14 HN recommender · 2021–2024
6 comments from Hacker News
"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There was this great video last year, illustrating how outdated and error prone the signalling technology in the NY subway is: ▶ this video
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
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
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
A similarly embarrassing state of affairs is the train traffic control system used by the NYC subway system: ▶ this video