There's a lot of construction going on the 1 line these days and we noticed some new subway technology being introduced recently. Earlier on in the year, the new digital signs announcing estimate train arrival times were introduced to the numbered subway lines and it now seems like some fancier technology for each train has come about. We first thought from a distance that an "O" train had arrived in the station on a previous outing but upon closer inspection, miniscule electric bulbs were found forming a circle around the red 1 logo of the car window. The lit up signage must be a new prototype since we haven't seen one since. Is this the new look for all New York City subways?
Why is the frame around the number lit up? Surely with a budget crisis there are better things to spend money on?
ReplyDeleteThe 'O' and square are used to signal local/express trains. These are usually on the 7 to Citi Field so I assume they just moved the trains around for some reason. I doubt that this is a permanent shift in subway signage.
ReplyDeleteThat's odd. In addition to the 7, the 6 also uses that diamond shape to denote the few rush hour peak direction trains that run express on the 6 route in the Bronx, but then continue into Manhattan as a 6 local. They don't run nearly as many expresses as the 7 does, but that's the only other place where I think they use the diamond/circle distinction.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know there is no 1 express service. Must be a fluke. OR maybe they're using this to let people know when track work is requiring them to skip stops above 96th St?
Chris, agreed, why spend money on these toys when we are in a recession with fare hikes and service cutbacks. A feature the MTA might try to focus on instead of these toys is more affordable fares. When more people can travel the city more often, it will help to stimulate the NYC economy.
ReplyDeleteThere could be a <1> express service; there are tracks for it. (It would skip everything between 157th St and 96th St.) But there just isn't enough demand, so that service isn't done.
ReplyDeleteI assume this was a train moved over from the 5, 6 or 7, all of which use the diamond to indicate rush hour express services.
@ Chris. Take a look at that subway car. It's one of the older models (Kawasaki, I think). This model is used on the the 7 line and you'll see either a circle or diamond lit up, to let folks know if it's local or express. They've probably kept the circle illuminated so no one can confuse it with an express train that doesn't exist.
ReplyDeleteAs for the digital displays on the platforms, it's overdue. Installation of these signs, was probably in the previous budget (or even 2008). As for it being a toy, I disagree. London and a ton of other subway systems have these displays for years. It keeps passengers informed and it keeps them from the edge of the platform. We should have had these displays 10 years ago.
Is the 1 diamond a resurrection of the 9 train?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how this is perceived as a frivolous waste of money. It serves a purpose on some train lines and this train probably also works on those lines as well.
ReplyDeleteUptownGirl, agreed. I know they are wasting tons of money on any number of things, and that "service" is not likely to get better any time soon. I'll be happy to see digital signs on the platforms as at least *one* concrete benefit that I can actually use.
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