NYCT begins work to fix faulty signals and correct antiquated speed limits
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and other safety-focused officials began work as part of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) “Save Safe Seconds” campaign aimed at improving subway performance.
The team is working closely with the agency’s union partners to correct outdated speed limits and fix speed-regulating signals throughout the subway system. Since late August, 95 percent of 2,000 time signals, also known as timer signals, have been tested with approximately 267 faulty timer signals identified and 30 fixed. NYCT describes the process to inspect, diagnose and repair or replace numerous possible pieces of equipment very labor-intensive, especially considering the work is performed during times of exclusive track access for workers.
Transit officials estimate speed limits will be safely increased at more than 100 locations throughout the system by Spring 2019. Five locations between 36 St and 59 St on the N and R lines in Brooklyn saw a speed increase following several months of testing and study the second weekend of December. An additional 29 locations have been approved for speed increases by a safety committee with most areas seeing an increase in the 10 to 20 mph range.
“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working hard to maximize our subway’s potential within the boundaries of stringent safety standards,” said NYCT President Andy Byford. “Subway cars have come a long way in safety and performance since the system’s speed limits were first put in place up to a century ago, and some speed-regulating signals have become miscalibrated over time, forcing trains to go slower than they need to. We’re taking a fresh look, with no compromise to safety, at how to reduce delays and get people to their destinations sooner.”
NYCT anticipates a period of acclimation while operators are trained and become more comfortable operating within the new speed limits.
Improving signals has been a big focus for Byford, who recently announced the hiring of an internationally recognized expert, Pete Tomlin, to lead NYCT’s resignaling effort.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
