BK councilman to MTA: Put the brakes on robo-trains

Brooklyn commuters and a local councilman have expressed outrage after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) began test-running robo-trains on the L line. The new technology called the Communications-Based

News 12 Staff

Jan 27, 2012, 11:46 PM

Updated 4,607 days ago

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Brooklyn commuters and a local councilman have expressed outrage after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) began test-running robo-trains on the L line.
The new technology called the Communications-Based Train Control is operated by a computer, but there is still a motor operator talking to the system, as well as a conductor on board.
The transit agency says the new system makes for smoother operation, eases overcrowding and offers better service.
However, Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn) has criticized the MTA for using robo-trains, calling them dangerous and dysfunctional, and claiming that they have slowed down commuting time.
The MTA says the computerized system is the standard for the majority of modern rapid-transit systems around the world.