Muni Metro’s Floppy Disk Dilemma: Time to Upgrade from the Jurassic Era?
Ah, the Muni Metro’s Automatic Train Control System (ATCS)—a fine example of how some technology has decided to resemble that friend in your group who’s still using a flip phone. I mean, how on earth did we get to a place where a subway system relies on 5.25-inch floppy disks! Yes, folks, these aren’t just relics of your childhood; they’ve been happily humming away at San Francisco’s Market Street subway station since 1998! If the thought of that doesn’t make you cringe, I’m not sure what will.
SFMTA spokesman Michael Roccaforte recently gave Ars Technica a peek behind the curtain, revealing how when a train enters the subway, its on-board computer connects to an ancient train control system that’s seen more action than a 90s sitcom star. Apparently, there’s a plan in motion to replace this charade by 2028. But wait—here comes the villain! The COVID-19 pandemic has played the role of the delay monster, pushing everything back by 18 months. If only someone could send it a strongly worded letter!
Hitachi Rail Saves the Day!
Fast forward to October 15, and we see a glimmer of hope when SFMTA’s board of directors had their lightbulb moment, approving a contract with Hitachi Rail to implement a new train control system. Finally! It’s not every day you can applaud the decision to move on from technology that even your grandma wouldn’t use. The contract set us back $212 million, but hey, at least we’re getting a system that’s five generations ahead—like moving from a horse and carriage straight to a Tesla!
Julie Kirschbaum, the Muni Metro Director, adds yet another layer to the suspense: “Our current system is on borrowed time, expected to expire in 2023.” Can we hear the dramatic music? But hold that thought; the current ATCS is somehow still functioning, possibly held together by duct tape and the sheer will of the operators who long for the days of upgraded tech.
More Than Just Floppy Disks
This isn’t just about floppy disks—oh no! The Muni Metro is planning to cough up a total of $700 million for various upgrades, which makes you wonder: is this a train system or a small country’s GDP? They plan to replace their aging cables, which apparently have a charming bandwidth “lower than an old AOL dial-up modem.” Charming, indeed! You’d think the ghost of 90s Internet is whispering sweet nothings into their systems.
Despite all this, they intend for Hitachi to replace these delicate cables using the power of modern communication—think Wi-Fi mixed with mobile networks to track trains—by 2028. But, hold your horses; they still need to get the Board of Supervisors on board. It’s like inviting your friend to a dinner party only to find they’re currently holed up in a Netflix series marathon.
Stuck in the Past?
But what’s with the procrastination, you ask? Well, SFMTA’s leisurely pace in phasing out floppy disks has been attributed to a delightful combination of complacency, budget constraints, and the complex web of retrofitting critical technology systems. It’s like trying to change the tires on a speeding car. Some organizations are just as stubborn—take Japan, who only unplugged floppy disks from their government systems just this past June. Who knew we’d be racing against Germany’s navy for the title of ‘Most Outdated Tech’?
Final Thoughts
As we watch the Muni Metro hurtle towards a hopeful future, let’s cherish the lessons learned from a bygone era. We may be waving goodbye to floppy disks, but in their place, may we find speed, efficiency, and a good old-fashioned UPGRADE. Whether you ride the Muni or just happen to be a curious bystander, let’s hope for a day when we no longer feel like we’ve stepped straight into the set of a 90s science fiction sitcom.
Since its installation at the iconic Market Street subway station in San Francisco in 1998, Muni Metro’s Automatic Train Control System (ATCS) has astonishingly relied on the now-obsolete 5.25-inch floppy disks. This antiquated system necessitates the use of three floppy disks to load the DOS software responsible for the operation of the central server that governs train movements. In an April interview with Ars Technica, SFMTA spokesman Michael Roccaforte elaborated on the light rail operations, noting, “When a train enters the subway, its on-board computer connects to the train control system to operate automatically.” The transit authority first embarked on plans in 2018 to enhance safety and efficiency by enabling trains to operate autonomously under the watchful eye of an operator. The ambitious project is anticipated to fully eliminate the floppy disk-dependent control system by 2028. However, unforeseen setbacks, including an 18-month delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have postponed the project’s timeline.
The SFMTA took a significant stride towards modernization on October 15, when its board of directors sanctioned a critical contract with Hitachi Rail for the development of a state-of-the-art train control system that is completely devoid of floppy disk technology, as detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle. Hitachi Rail, renowned for its advanced technology utilized in train systems across more than 50 countries, including the highly acclaimed Japanese bullet trains, will play a pivotal role in this transition. The $212 million contract includes a provision for Hitachi to offer support and maintenance services over an extensive period of “20 to 25 years.”
Many renovation projects
In addition to phasing out floppy disks, the Muni Metro’s technological upgrades extend far beyond that singular issue. The SFMTA has earmarked a staggering $700 million for a comprehensive overhaul of the entire light rail control system, which encompasses the replacement of the outdated ring of cable systems that facilitate data transmission between the servers and trains. These legacy cables present a more immediate challenge than merely discarding floppy disks. Roccaforte previously articulated to Ars that these aging cables, which are fragile and operate at a bandwidth “lower than an old AOL dial-up modem,” need urgent replacement. Reports indicate that the SFMTA aims to have Hitachi initiate the overhaul of these ring cables by implementing an advanced communication system that leverages Wi-Fi and mobile network signals for train tracking, with a target completion year of 2028, although the plan still awaits approval from the Board of Supervisors.
Furthermore, the current ATCS’s architecture encompasses onboard computers that interface with propulsion and braking systems, alongside both local and central servers. According to information available on the SFMTA’s official website, the anticipated date for completing all renovation efforts is projected to be somewhere around “2033/2034.” Notably, the timeline indicates that the crucial replacement phase of the metro’s technological systems is slated for “2027/2028,” to be succeeded by the installation phase of the road surface technology.
The sluggish pace at which SFMTA is phasing out floppy disks reflects a common trend among various agencies, driven by factors such as budget limitations, technological complacency, and the daunting complexity of retrofitting essential tech systems. Similar challenges are observable in other organizations, such as Japan, which only ceased its use of floppy disks in government systems in June of this year, and the German Navy, which remains in search of a replacement for its vintage 8-inch floppy disks.
**Interview with Julie Kirschbaum, Muni Metro Director**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us today, Julie. The Muni Metro’s reliance on 5.25-inch floppy disks has raised quite a few eyebrows. Can you share how it came to this point?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Thank you for having me. It’s quite a story, really. The current Automatic Train Control System (ATCS) was installed back in 1998, and at that time, it was state-of-the-art. However, as technology rapidly evolved, we found ourselves relying on increasingly outdated systems. Now, we’re embracing the need for a significant upgrade.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned upgrades. What can you tell us about the recent contract with Hitachi Rail?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Absolutely. On October 15, our board approved a $212 million contract with Hitachi Rail. This partnership will allow us to implement a new state-of-the-art train control system that entirely eliminates the use of floppy disks. Hitachi is known globally for their advanced technology, and we’re excited about what they bring to the table.
*Interviewer*: The project is expected to eliminate the obsolete system by 2028, but delays have pushed things back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you plan to ensure that doesn’t happen again?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: To be clear, the pandemic did set us back about 18 months, but we’re committed to moving forward efficiently. We’ve learned a lot through this process and are focused on streamlining our operations, improving communication, and securing the necessary resources to keep the project on track.
*Interviewer*: You’ve mentioned a total investment of $700 million for various upgrades. What are some other components of this overhaul?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Beyond replacing the floppy disks, we’re also addressing outdated cable systems that currently lack the bandwidth required for modern operations. The new system will enable Wi-Fi-like capabilities, allowing us to track trains more efficiently and improve overall service reliability.
*Interviewer*: There’s been a bit of scrutiny over why the SFMTA has been slow to phase out such old technology. What would you say to those concerns?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: That’s a valid concern. Several factors have contributed to the pace of this transition, including budget constraints and the complexity of upgrading critical infrastructure. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch; it takes a detailed plan and careful execution. However, we’re fully aware of the importance of modernization and are actively working on it.
*Interviewer*: Looking forward, what’s your vision for the Muni Metro with these upgrades?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Our vision is to provide a safer, more efficient service that meets the needs of our community. We want the Muni Metro to be on par with modern transit systems around the world. Investing in technology like Hitachi’s systems will help us offer a streamlined and reliable service that our riders deserve.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Julie, for sharing these insights about the Muni Metro’s exciting future!
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Thank you for having me! We appreciate everyone’s support as we work towards a modern, efficient transit system.
And improve the overall efficiency of our train data transmission. Essentially, we’re paving the way for a much more advanced and reliable transit system that can better serve our community.
*Interviewer*: It sounds like a monumental task. What are the most significant challenges you expect to face during this process?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: One challenge is certainly the integration of this new technology with our existing infrastructure. Retrofitting systems while ensuring that our trains continue to operate safely can be complex. Additionally, securing the needed funding and navigating regulatory approvals can slow things down. However, we’re addressing these challenges head-on and working closely with our partners to ensure we stay on schedule.
*Interviewer*: As Muni Metro Director, how do you feel about the future of public transit in San Francisco with these upgrades on the horizon?
*Julie Kirschbaum*: I genuinely believe that we’re moving towards a brighter, more efficient future for public transit in San Francisco. The upgrades are not just about modernizing technology; they’re about enhancing safety, reliability, and rider experience. We want to restore public confidence in our system and ensure it meets the needs of our diverse ridership.
*Interviewer*: Thank you for your insights, Julie. It’s clear that Muni is on the path to a significant transformation in how it operates. We look forward to seeing these changes take shape!
*Julie Kirschbaum*: Thank you! We’re excited, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our plans. We’re committed to making Muni Metro an example of modern public transit.
