Signal Technology in the MTA

Ultra wide-band technology (UWBT) is a new subway signal technology being considered by New York MTA. UWBT uses a wireless radio system, with devices located throughout the tunnel that communicate with one another. The system can determine the precise location of the train as well as the speed at which it is traveling, which would allow the MTA to run trains at a much higher frequency, expanding system capacity without building new lines. It is estimated that UWBT can be implemented more quickly and at a lower cost than traditional signal upgrade projects, which are often plagued by delays and cost overruns.

Though the technology has been used for military applications and holds a lot of promise for use in transit, it still needs to be tested rigorously in the MTA. There are currently limited tests in the MTA as well as in Boston to measure impacts that train size or customer cellphones might have on the technology but more testing is needed before the system can be implemented.

Given the importance of signalling technology to the overall efficiency of the MTA, transit planners should accelerate testing of the UWBT and develop an implementation plan.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/nyregion/mta-subway-ultra-wideband-radio.html