San Francisco Plans $212 Million Overhaul to Replace Floppy Disk Rail System. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Replace Floppy Disk Rail System
Photo, source: www.techopedia.com

San Francisco has committed $212 million to replace the floppy disk rail system by 2028. The city’s metro, Muni Metro, relies on these disks to manage train functions but plans to modernize.

Why San Francisco Must Replace the Floppy Disk Rail System?

Muni Metro, San Francisco’s transit backbone, still depends on outdated floppy disks to control train operations. These disks govern critical tasks like speed control, braking, and intercommunication within the transit system. In a move to modernize, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has signed a contract with Hitachi Rail to upgrade this system, investing part of the $700 million allotted for city-wide transit improvements.

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This initiative aims to replace the current technology with a system using Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, providing real-time updates, communication between trains, and improved tracking accuracy. Under the contract, Hitachi Rail will install the new system and maintain it for the next 20 years. Julie Kirschbaum, Muni’s Director of Transit, has described the upgrade as “the best train control system on the market,” emphasizing its advanced capabilities and future-proof design.

How the Upgrade from Floppy Disks Benefits San Francisco’s Transit System?

The new Wi-Fi-based infrastructure will replace the floppy disk rail system while supporting Muni’s Automatic Train Control System (ATCS) during the transition. Initially implemented in 1998, ATCS utilizes floppy disks for controlling braking, speed, and station automation, making this upgrade a much-needed step forward for Muni Metro.

Surprisingly, floppy disks still have roles in several industries, especially those relying on legacy machinery. For instance, older CNC machines, industrial equipment, and certain audio and medical systems continue to use floppy disks. Even in aviation, some aircraft from the 1980s and 1990s still depend on floppy disks for navigation functions. Until recently, the US nuclear control systems also relied on eight-inch floppy disks, highlighting the technology’s longevity in mission-critical applications.

Governments and industries globally have struggled to phase out legacy systems. The German Navy, for example, still employs floppy disks to control anti-submarine frigates. However, Japan has succeeded in eliminating floppy disks from government operations, underscoring its commitment to digital infrastructure. San Francisco’s modernization project marks a similar step toward improved public infrastructure and more efficient transit systems.

In the coming years, San Francisco’s $212 million project to replace its floppy disk rail system with advanced technology aims to enhance both operational efficiency and reliability for Muni Metro. This investment reflects the city’s dedication to modernizing public infrastructure and offering residents a more resilient transit experience.

Photo, source: www.techopedia.com

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