A collection of floppy disks.San Francisco’s Muni Metro light rail system, currently reliant on a 5.25-inch floppy disk system for its Automatic Train Control System (ATCS), is finally getting a much-needed technological upgrade. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) recently approved a $212 million contract with Hitachi Rail to modernize the system, moving from the antiquated floppy disks to a modern system utilizing Wi-Fi and cellular signals for train tracking.
This upgrade represents a significant leap forward, bringing the ATCS into the 21st century. The current system, implemented in 1998, relies on a hybrid approach, using automatic mode within subway tunnels and manual operations above ground. This outdated technology has presented challenges for the SFMTA, prompting plans for modernization as early as 2018, with an initial target completion date of 2028. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, further exacerbating the need for this update. The software running on the floppy disks, designed for a lifespan of 20-25 years, is now officially obsolete.
The new contract with Hitachi Rail includes 20 years of support alongside the installation of the new communications-based train control system. While the SFMTA aims to complete this phase of the project by 2027-2028, the entire $700 million upgrade to the SFMTA is projected to be finalized between 2033 and 2034. This comprehensive investment demonstrates a commitment to improving the efficiency, reliability, and safety of San Francisco’s public transportation system.
The reliance on floppy disks, while seemingly archaic in the modern era, is not entirely unheard of. Several industries and organizations continue to utilize this legacy technology. Notably, some Boeing 747-400 aircraft still use floppy disks for navigation system updates, and even the animatronic characters at Chuck E. Cheese’s rely on this outdated format. Medical equipment, such as CT and ultrasound machines, has also been known to employ floppy disks. While niche markets exist, the owner of Floppydisk.com, a supplier of floppy disks and other legacy technology, predicted in 2022 that the demand would likely dwindle within the next few years. This transition by the SFMTA exemplifies a broader trend of modernization across various sectors, phasing out outdated technology in favor of more efficient and reliable solutions.
This modernization project will improve the accuracy and real-time tracking of trains, allowing for better management of the Muni Metro system. The shift from manual to automated operations above ground promises increased efficiency and reduced potential for human error. The use of Wi-Fi and cellular technology will also enable more dynamic responses to disruptions and incidents, ultimately leading to a smoother and more reliable experience for commuters.
This significant investment signifies the SFMTA’s dedication to enhancing its public transportation infrastructure, ensuring that San Francisco’s Muni Metro system can meet the demands of a growing city and provide reliable service for years to come.
