[Rescue Muni] ATCS Startup

Max Pong (pong2@llnl.gov)
Tue, 25 Aug 1998 08:28:48 -0700 (PDT)

<fontfamily><param>Geneva</param>The startup problems with ATCS were
predictable and not surprising. It took BART over five years to get
their computer control system to operate properly in the early 70's.
Well, that was over 25 years ago and train control systems are no
longer "first of a kind". The big question is whether Muni will be
able to solve the ATCS problems, and how long it will take.

The field reports indicate that many problems are equipment failures
unrelated to ATCS. And equipment incompatibilities with ATCS
(presumably only a simple fix needed) seem to be the main problem.

When I wrote to Muni in 1991 about the ATCS, they said it would be
operational in 1993. I was told that ATCS would 1) allow more trains
to run in the subway 2) allow coupling/decoupling at any station and 3)
allow changing an N to a L, etc. at any station.

Miscellaneous: I don't have a big problem with Muni employees driving
to work, nor spending public money (not too much though) on sports
stadiums. The Geary St transitway idea is intriguing.

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