Our goal is to create and implement a plan capable of reducing delays and noise pollution on the New York City train.
Contingency Plan
We propose to create a contingency plan every time something unexpected happens at a station to reduce the train delays. This plan will first make the trains go slower or even skip some stations until the problem is solved. Although this seems to be increasing, the problem is actually not. We have to reduce the operation of the trains until the problem is solved to avoid the propagation of the delays in the other trains and thus be able to solve the problem without spreading them to other stations.
Subway car breakdowns cause delays not only to the affected train but for trains all along the line. The plan of contingency consists of 3 phases, which are described below:
First Phase
This is the most difficult part to implement since not only do we have to identify the problem as soon as possible, but the Controllers also have to calculate an estimated time of the disruption.
Second Phase
In the second phase, the ideal would be to apply the contingency plan as planned. But unexpected things always happen at train stations that can cause the disruption time to increase or even decrease.
Therefore, in this phase, the plan is to adjust the disruption time based on the situation of the trains at that precise moment. In this way, we ensure that the plan works regardless of unexpected problems that may occur at the stations.
Third Phase
This phase aims to have a smooth transition from reduced train operation to regular operation. Therefore, it is important to create a transition plan that fits the situation of the trains at that time.
Also, before implementing the transition to regular operation, it is crucial to determine if the cause of the disruption will be resolved in time.
Fig.1 Traffic delays by time
What our plan is to solve most of the MTA issues and make more enjoyable or at least safe for its riders.
BENEFITS
Installing Platform Screen Doors (PSD) will provide the following:
- Giant glass/screen walls
- Block access to tracks from public
- Prevent accidental falls or suicide and homicides attempts
- Reduce piston effect
- Improve security and lower costs
- Prevent litter build up on tracks
- Better sound quality
Implement the sonic crystal barrier in to reduce vibration of the train wheels with the tracks.
This way, we can design barriers capable of blocking these frequencies. Also, as each station is different, our idea is to investigate the noise frequencies produced at each station. This way, we can ensure that the barriers are designed to reduce these noises and be efficient.
The most prominent noise source on the New York train is produced by the vibration of the train wheels with the track. The most efficient way to place the barriers would be where the noise is created, close to the train wheels themselves. This way, the barrier would not cause any problem with the flow of passengers or any aesthetic difference in the trains.
As our proposal indicates, we are delighted to distinguish and contribute to new ideas on how to fix public transportation issues within the subway. This will help thousands of working families underserved by transit get around safely and effectively.
Installation
Procedure for Installing
- Prior to it getting exposed to the public its functionality should be tested in each way possible.
- Before the installation begins, the project manager should have acquired the permit to temporarily halt the subway schedule.
- The final units will be transported to the destination on a train (bogie).
- After the product has arrived, the engineers and laborers should unpack and assemble the panels accordingly.
- As its soundproof platform screen doors, the engineers should measure the distance to and from the edge so there is ample space.
- Now that the panels and doors are installed, it’s time for electrical engineers to set up the batteries and wirings.
- The solar panels are set up out on the station and wired back to the batteries of the platform screen doors. The backup batteries are also attached to the PSD in case of emergencies.
- After a successful set up, now lastly each passenger, exit and emergency door functioning will be tested.
- If it has passed the test then the project is considered complete, if not then it will be tested and repaired till platform screen door functions properly.
From installing PSDs, new cabling systems and sonic crystal barriers for noise reduction, this idea will solve the everyday frustration of many travelers. Accommodating each station one at a time, we will possibly eliminate fatal accidents on MTA tracks and overall improve its functionality and positive impact on the environment.
Who will benefit from this proposal:
All people who live, travel and visit NYC subways will benefit from this proposal.
Signs of decline are visible throughout the subway system. Trains are frequently delayed, platforms are overcrowded, and key infrastructure—like signals, switches, cars, and power systems—are being extended beyond their useful life. After decades of improving service and increased ridership, many fear that transit service has peaked and is sliding backwards.
