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CBTC: Communications-Based Train Control

mtainfo · 767.6K views · 2015-07-20 · 9:26

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Overview

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.

On Hacker News

Cited as a view into how outdated and error-prone NYC subway signaling is, and how antique interlocking systems work.

Recommended by 2 HN people across 2 months · HN mentions 2015–2022

Topics

Transit, cities & urban planningMechanical & precision engineering
Search by tags
cbtcnyc subwayrailway signalinginterlockingmta

What people said

robocat · 2018-12 · Recommendation

"They even put out a video that gleefully shows off the worst stuff. Look at how broken it is! Look at how old!" [VIDEO] Well made video that helps understand the interlocks - if you like antique systems!

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peletiah · 2016-04 · Recommendation

There was this great video last year, illustrating how outdated and error prone the signalling technology in the NY subway is: [VIDEO]

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bobthepanda · 2022-06 · Reference

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. [VIDEO]

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Sources

Video by mtainfo, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

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HN Library: HackerTube export (2026-10-31) and open-index/hacker-news. Upstream summaries and classifications may contain AI errors.

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