Hi. So we're building three new substations for the L. But how can they power more trains if we don't have more modern-signaling-trained operators to run them?! Good question. We can't! Which is why we're training more, right now. More on that below.
Plus: that weird monthly L service pattern is back this coming week, take our quarterly survey, and find out if you've been using "line" and "train" wrong all this time. Have a fabulous week.
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MTA New York City Transit team members help customers navigate the changes to L train service while the train operator runs the single-track operation.
Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit / Friday, April 26, 2019
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Training the train operators: (More) people who move you know modern signaling
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Did you know that the L is one of two lines in our system with modern signaling? And did you know that we wouldn't have been able to run our single-track operation without it (i.e. the reason you have some L service while we work vs. no L service)?
That's right. As we explained in last week's edition, we're working to get even more out of the modern signaling by adding more substations to power the trains. Modern signaling + more power = more trains.
But there's more to it than just new infrastructure. We're also training more conductors to use our modern signaling system (the L uses Communications-Based Train Control or CBTC). We asked Kim Gibbs, a senior director in the Subways division and former train operator herself, what this entails.
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L Project Weekly: Kim, we understand the L line was our first subway line to get the modern signaling.
KG: That’s right. The CBTC is a big help right now. It's actually a major reason we can still run trains during the tunnel repairs.
LPW: How’s that?
KG: During the nights and weekends, trains run in both directions on a single track, switching off and going around our work site. We couldn’t do that efficiently without the precision of modern signaling, at least not with 20 minute intervals.
LPW: Good to know. Let’s talk about your role in all this. You’re in charge of training our people to run the trains with modern signaling. The train operators, conductors, dispatchers, control room people. What’s involved?
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KG: The training depends on the job. For our train operators, modern signaling alone is a five-day course. We are currently have about 740 operators in our system trained on it. When the L Project was announced, we immediately started planning to train more people because we’ll be able to run even more trains on the L then. We’ve already trained a few dozen more since that point.
LPW: Is it hard for conductors to get used to the more automated signaling?
KG: They love it, once they get trained on it. We have a system where crews pick their job preferences, and the L line is a top pick. The train speeds and positions even out nicely. Actually, I used to be an operator on the L years ago, I really wish we had modern signaling back then!
LPW: Thanks, Kim and to all your modern signaling trainees. Our L customers see a lot of specially trained people out on the platforms these days. Now we know there are many more running the trains, too.
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Reminder: Monthly two-track Tuesday is coming up on June 18
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Remember when we said service would be a little funky once a month? It's that time again!
From 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, into the early morning hours on June 19, we'll be running two-track service so we can do our mandated track inspections. Service will ramp down starting at 8 p.m., and will stay reduced to about every 10-12 minutes after 10 p.m.
And just like last time, the alternate service won't change: same extended M train service, more G service, Williamsburg Link B91A bus route, and more.
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Want to give us feedback on your commute? Noticed recent improvements? Take our survey.
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W The MTA regularly surveys people like you to get feedback on a range of topics. Right now, you can take the Customers Count Survey, which asks you to rate the subway lines, stations, and bus routes you use most often. Access-A-Ride and Staten Island Railway customers can evaluate those services, too. And bonus: you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of ten 30-day Unlimited Ride MetroCards or one of ten 7-day Express Bus Plus Unlimited Ride MetroCards.
The survey is only open until June 30, so take it now by going here: www.mta.info/CustomersCount.
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True or false: The proper name for the L is "L line"
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 False!
A subway “line” refers to the physical route and tracks. The subway “service” or “route” refer to the trains serving that line.
So the L is the train service (or “route”) running on the Canarsie Line. Don’t like that option? Good news! You can also call it the 14th Street-Canarsie Line and not be wrong.
Informally, people mix lines, routes, services, and trains all the time. A habit to which we also plead: guilty.
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Construction look-ahead: Week of 6/15/19
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We're continuing to work in the tunnel, in two stations and three substations. Here's what's coming up this week:
- Continue to work on cabling: pulling communication and telephone cables near the Driggs-side communication room at Bedford Av Station
- Install fire alarm conduit at Bedford Av Station
- Install third rail cable brackets at 1 Av Station
- Continue accessibility work at 1 Av Station, including installing ADA-compliant tactile edges on the platform
- Install discharge pipe, manifolds and wall support brackets from Avenue D to the pump room
- Start duct bank shaving work from Bedford to North 7th
- New work on the rails: Remove and install contact rail parts, install contact rail between Bedford and North 7th and new negative return rail
- Install DC lighting fixtures at the 1 Av Station platform
- Swap more plates and ties: between Bedford Ave and N 7th
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Glamour shot of the week: There's more to a new entrance than the stairs
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Behind the barricades between 1st Avenue and Avenue A along 14th Street in Manhattan, we're extending the 1 Av Station for a new entrance. From new lighting to lots of concrete to build the structure, there's more to it than just the new stairs.
Photo: Trent Reeves / MTA Capital Construction / Wednesday, June 5, 2019
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