Why the L Train Sucks So Much

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Because some of the commuters who regularly ride the L train are the same ones who regularly complain via social networking sites, it's tempting to shrug off the L's notoriety as so much amplified hipster whining. But the stories are true! The MTA has admitted that L service has gotten a lot worse since they ceded control of the line to our robot overlords.

In February 2009, the L became the first line in the transit system to switch over to an autopilot system called "Communications Based Train Control" [CBTC], which was supposed to relieve overcrowding by running trains closer together than the old signal system allows. The MTA spent $340 million to rig the L line with computerized signals that automatically detect and pilot the train. But the Post reports that the new system is still limited by the old infrastructure, which has been causing the new signals to short out and make the brakes seize up. Delays ranging from 15 minutes to nearly an hour have been common.

"There's a fluke in the system. It's constantly happening," one train operator told the Post. Even MTA spokesman Charles Seaton concedes that the system has experienced a "higher than expected failure rate." And one straphanger spoke for thousands when he described his L train commute as, "a nightmare from hell." That hell-mare is currently spreading to the 7 line, where the MTA is spending $453 million to create another "robotrain." But Seaton says not to worry, because they'll be using a different contractor on that one... an innovative new company called Skynet.

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By John Del Signore in News on August 2, 2010 10:25 AM

Comments [rss]

DOA FLOATER

I was almost certain that this article would explain that the L train sucks precisely because of these costume-show brats that clog it up at all hours of the day. Especially on a friday night when it's like friggin Rocky Horror Picture Show on the L. Dislike.

buttface

You mean the unionized labor is blaming a system that replaces them? Shocking.

JMH

Looking at this picture, I don't think the computerized operation is why the L train sucks so much.

Gotham Extremist

some backdoor connected company gets a fat $340 mil contract, the work failed, not a word of reprement, but gets awarded yet another $340 mil contract, with god knows how many more to come, must be nice being bloomie's friend.

Gotham Extremist

$340 mil proly $320 of which is marked up, do incompetent work only to be rewarded even more.......

Sketto

With its incessant mind control announcements, I think the L is more Blade Runner than Terminator. "Don't give to panhandlers; don't lean on the doors; give your seat to the elderly; if you see something say something; ladies and gentlemen, please continue to quietly panic on a daily basis nine years after 9/11..." Those fucking non-stop announcements are crazy-making.

theLtrain

Uh those announcements are on every line buddy.

ozik

I don't hear them on the NR.

hoodlum

I thought this story was going to be about how much the people suck who ride the L train.

militza

well since you mentioned it, now it can be

Guest

Skynet? Somebody find John Conner... NOW!

harriet m. welsch

I really don't think you could've found a better picture to illustrate the L train. Perfect.

And it's not only hipsters that use the L train! It really is a nightmare to ride in the morning.

kazubes

Ive been stuck between stops on the L train for up to 20 minutes, it's really unbearable. I would rather walk in most cases than take it

harriet m. welsch

That's another reason the L sucks so much. There's no easy alternate route into Manhattan. Sure, I could ride my bike to work, but I don't want to 1) risk my life in rush hour traffic, 2) show up to work sweaty and sticky. And a bus route is nonexistent.