Every single NYC subway signal upgrade is behind schedule—by years
The MTA's big-budget signal modernization program, which aims to replace 1930s-era technology with sleek communications-based train control (CBTC), is now officially a cautionary tale in capital planning. Of the four current upgrades in progress, every single one is behind schedule. The F line in southern Brooklyn? Running three years late. The A/C/E upgrade beneath Eighth Avenue? Delayed until at least late 2027—more than two years off the mark. And eastern Queens riders hoping for smoother F train service? Don't hold your breath until at least March 2028.
The G train's saga might be the most painful of all: After months of summer shutdowns, the line won't be fully upgraded until July 2029—two years later than promised.
So what's the holdup? At a public MTA meeting this week, officials pointed fingers in every direction: obsolete 4G transponders, contractor mistakes, not enough engineers trained to handle either the new CBTC or the old legacy systems being replaced. 'It's like having a cell phone from the year 2000,' said Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA's construction chief, of the outdated tech still in use.
Even completed projects have run off track. A recently finished signal upgrade in Queens was delivered four years late. Two active projects are already millions over budget, and yet the MTA is gearing up to spend another $5.4 billion on signal upgrades as part of its 2025–2029 capital plan.
Much of the push for signal modernization began in 2018 under former Transit President Andy Byford, aka 'Train Daddy,' who famously brought in signal guru Pete Tomlin to oversee the work. But after a reorganization in 2019 shuffled responsibilities—and both Byford and Tomlin out the door—execution has been rocky.
As the MTA preps to relaunch its Capital Program Dashboard this fall to better track these investments, one thing is clear: If CBTC is the future of New York transit, it's arriving on a very slow train.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
One of UK's biggest mobile networks is shutting service TOMORROW leaving some Brits with NO internet
Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor Published: Invalid Date, A MAJOR network provider with millions of customers continues a massive service switch off in just hours. Those affected won't be able to use the internet when they're out and about unless they upgrade their phone. 1 O2 has been pressing on with plans to shut down its old 3G network technology. The other main networks - EE, Vodafone and Three - have already got rid of theirs, as part of a joint agreement made with the Government in 2021. O2's 3G switch off has already gone ahead in Durham, Norwich, Telford and Guildford. But now Torquay is the next spot to lose 3G. The move not only affects O2, but also other firms that run off its masts, including Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile. For most customers it won't make any difference - if anything it'll make space for more faster 4G and 5G kit. But some older smartphones may not be 4G or 5G compatible. While they'll still be able to make calls and send texts, they no longer get access to data. Virgin Media O2's 3G network carries less than 2 per cent of all network data now. The operator is already writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset, offering free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others. O2 Ends Pay-As-You-Go Data and iPad SIM Services: What You Need to Know Bosses have also announced that they're working with charity Age UK to help raise awareness and support. "The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it's important that we do all we can to support those affected," said Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK. 'We're very grateful for this funding from Virgin Media O2 as this will enhance our services, including our Advice Line, so that older customers can get the help needed when 3G is switched off. 'It's important to note that for those using a 3G network who don't wish to change their handset, for now they will still be able to make phone calls and send texts as they do today – it's just their mobile data this change will affect. 'Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK's Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65." Which mobile networks are affected by the 3G switch off? Mobile networks affected by O2's 3G switch off: -O2 - Tesco Mobile - Sky Mobile - GiffGaff Networks which have already switched off 3G: - Vodafone - Asda Mobile - Lebara - Talk Mobile - Voxi - EE - 1pMobile - Ecotalk - IQ Mobile - Lycamobile - Mozillion - RWG Mobile - Spusi - Talk Home - Utility Warehouse - Your Co-op - Three - iD Mobile, Smarty - Honest Mobile - Superdrug How to check if your device is affected Smartphones bought in the last 10 years are unlikely to be affected by the switch off. However, if you are still unsure, you can do a simple trick to check. Click on the settings page on your phone and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network. If you spot 4G or 5G listed, then you will be unaffected by the switch off. IS THE SWITCH OFF THAT BIG OF A DEAL? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off. There wasn't much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G. So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small. Just because it may be a small figure doesn't mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they're not very tech-savvy or vulnerable. So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support, or Age UK.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
Every single NYC subway signal upgrade is behind schedule—by years
Modern subway signals were supposed to be the magic fix for New York's beleaguered transit system. But according to a new report from an independent engineering consultant obtained by Gothamist, that magic wand is running on serious delay—like, years-long delay. The MTA's big-budget signal modernization program, which aims to replace 1930s-era technology with sleek communications-based train control (CBTC), is now officially a cautionary tale in capital planning. Of the four current upgrades in progress, every single one is behind schedule. The F line in southern Brooklyn? Running three years late. The A/C/E upgrade beneath Eighth Avenue? Delayed until at least late 2027—more than two years off the mark. And eastern Queens riders hoping for smoother F train service? Don't hold your breath until at least March 2028. The G train's saga might be the most painful of all: After months of summer shutdowns, the line won't be fully upgraded until July 2029—two years later than promised. So what's the holdup? At a public MTA meeting this week, officials pointed fingers in every direction: obsolete 4G transponders, contractor mistakes, not enough engineers trained to handle either the new CBTC or the old legacy systems being replaced. 'It's like having a cell phone from the year 2000,' said Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA's construction chief, of the outdated tech still in use. Even completed projects have run off track. A recently finished signal upgrade in Queens was delivered four years late. Two active projects are already millions over budget, and yet the MTA is gearing up to spend another $5.4 billion on signal upgrades as part of its 2025–2029 capital plan. Much of the push for signal modernization began in 2018 under former Transit President Andy Byford, aka 'Train Daddy,' who famously brought in signal guru Pete Tomlin to oversee the work. But after a reorganization in 2019 shuffled responsibilities—and both Byford and Tomlin out the door—execution has been rocky. As the MTA preps to relaunch its Capital Program Dashboard this fall to better track these investments, one thing is clear: If CBTC is the future of New York transit, it's arriving on a very slow train.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
A 14-mile train line connecting Brooklyn and Queens is officially in the works
Get ready to connect the dots—or at least the neighborhoods. The MTA has officially taken its first concrete step toward building the Interborough Express (IBX), a 14-mile light-rail line linking Brooklyn and Queens, with a nearly $166 million design contract awarded to the engineering joint venture Jacobs/HDR. The two-year deal will kickstart preliminary designs for the IBX, a project decades in the dreaming and now finally inching toward reality. Once complete, the train line will zip from Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights in under 40 minutes, connecting transit-starved communities to 17 subway lines, 50 bus routes and the LIRR, all without forcing riders through Manhattan. 'More than 5 million people live in Brooklyn and Queens,' said MTA Chair Janno Lieber in earlier statements. 'We need an easier way to move between the two boroughs.' And for the roughly 900,000 residents along the route—over half of whom don't own cars—it's about time. The IBX will repurpose an existing freight corridor (the Bay Ridge Branch and Fremont Secondary), so the heavy lifting isn't laying new tracks—it's redesigning what's already there. The MTA plans to keep freight running while carving out space for a sleek, all-electric light-rail system with 19 stations, from Roosevelt Avenue to the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Jacobs/HDR scored the contract over five other proposals, earning top marks for its 'innovative approach' and deep understanding of corridor constraints, according to MTA board documents. The initial design phase includes environmental reviews, tunnel planning and preparing the site for eventual construction, estimated to cost $5.5 billion, with another $432 million for train cars. Construction will be broken into two phases: first, prepping the corridor (demolitions, utility relocations and tunnel work) and second, laying tracks, building stations and creating a new maintenance yard. But don't expect to hop on just yet. While Governor Hochul fast-tracked early planning back in 2022, the IBX won't be operational until the early 2030s. Still, for outer-borough residents long marooned in so-called transit deserts, this is a long-overdue promise of mobility—and maybe even a little transit equity. The MTA is actively seeking public feedback as design work gets underway. Got thoughts? They're all ears at IBXoutreach@
