BMT Canarsie Line - Automation

Automation

The Canarsie Line is one of only two New York City non-shuttle subway lines that hosts only a single service and does not share operating trackage with any other line or service; the other is the IRT Flushing Line, carrying the 7 <7> trains. Because of this, it was chosen as the location of the first fully automated line of the New York City Subway. In spring 2005, the current automation-enabled R143-class equipment was expected to run under full automation with a single operator (known as OPTO, or One Person Train Operation) acting as an attendant to monitor the train's operation and take over manual operation if necessary. However, technical mishaps including the test train rolling away by itself delayed the start of Automatic train operation, also known as Communication Based Train Control (CBTC).

The project caused numerous service disruptions on the L service on nights and weekends. Frequently, service was shut down in separate sections of the line, usually from Eighth Avenue to Lorimer Street, Lorimer to Broadway Junction, or Broadway Junction to Rockaway Parkway. During this time, shuttle buses served suspended areas. This project also required the temporary closing of some stations, either in one direction or both directions, and for the line to be operated in two sections.

In June 2005, the Canarsie Line ran with a single operator on weekends. However, as this was a violation of contract, the MTA was ordered to resume two-person operation at all times.

Currently, the system is operational as of February 24, 2009 with the R143s assigned to the line and despite the fact that the R160As on the line were not CBTC-compatible until August 2010. L train will begin full-fledged Automatic train operation in early 2012.