Bought kicking and screaming into the 21st century
San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has taken a significant step towards modernising its Muni Metro system by approving a $212 million contract with Hitachi Rail.
The deal aims to overhaul the city’s outdated train control system, which still relies on decades-old technology like floppy disks and wire loops to manage the movement of its trains.
According to a report from *Government Technology*, the existing system’s software is loaded onto floppy disks each morning, and it relies on wire-loop communications, which are prone to disruptions.
Originally designed to function for 20-25 years, this ageing infrastructure moves data slower than modern wireless systems, leaving the city’s transit operations vulnerable to delays and inefficiencies.
SFMTA officials acknowledge that this outdated system lags behind current technology standards.
The upgrade, scheduled to roll out between late 2027 and early 2028, will replace the antiquated system with a cutting-edge communications-based train control (CBTC) solution provided by Hitachi Rail.
The new system will use Wi-Fi and cellular signals to track the exact locations of Muni trains in real-time, vastly improving operational efficiency and safety. Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will also provide 20 years of support services to ensure the longevity and smooth operation of the system.
While the existing control system is limited to managing trains on the Market Street subway and the Central Subway lines, the new Hitachi system will extend its reach, allowing for the monitoring and controlling Muni Metro light rail trains on surface lines as well.
This expansion promises more precise train tracking and smoother service across the entire Metro network.
SFMTA Director of Transit Julie Kirschbaum said the Hitachi system is “five generations ahead” of what is currently in place. She described it as the “best train control system on the market,” emphasising this project’s transformative potential for the city’s transit infrastructure.
Once implemented, the upgraded system is expected to improve day-to-day operations and enhance passenger experiences by reducing delays and boosting the reliability of San Francisco’s light rail services.
This modernisation effort is part of SFMTA’s broader commitment to bringing the city’s public transportation into the 21st century and ensuring it remains a viable and efficient option for the city’s residents and visitors alike.
This investment in advanced technology also reflects the agency’s focus on preparing San Francisco’s transit system for future growth as the city expands and its transportation needs become more complex.
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