The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates the city’s Muni subway light rail, has been using a train control system that relies on 5.25-inch floppy disks since its installation in 1998. The system is called the System for Automatic Train Control (SFMTA). ATCS), facilitates train operation in automatic mode while ensuring operator supervision.However, the agency is now preparing Get rid of this outdated technology.
SFMTA officials revealed that ATCS relies on three floppy disks to load critical software every morning. The system involves various components, including on-board computers, central and local servers, and communications infrastructure. The process includes the train being connected to the control system when entering the subway, the train running automatically in the subway, and reverting to manual operation when exiting.
Recognizing the system’s limitations and the increasing risk of data degradation and potentially catastrophic failure, SFMTA launched the ATCS overhaul program in 2018. Due to pandemic-related delays, the expected completion time has been extended to 2029 to 2030. The agency aims to select a contractor by early 2025 and develop a comprehensive project timeline after that.
Despite the current capabilities of floppy disk-based systems, concerns about their sustainability and maintenance challenges remain. SFMTA acknowledged that the system had exceeded its life expectancy and faced increasing difficulties in finding personnel proficient in outdated programming languages. The agency emphasized the need to transition to modern control systems to reduce risks and ensure operational efficiency.
In addition, SFMTA guarantees ongoing employment opportunities to current employees and plans to provide training in new technologies. In addition, the transition is expected to create jobs in technical positions such as signaling engineers to support the implementation and maintenance of the new train control system.
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