- Automatic audible announcements -- the train automatically
announces details about the next stop, in a pleasant female voice.
The announcements seemed to be robust in the face of unscheduled
stops; perhaps they are now triggered by the driver, rather than
automatically.
- New sounds when the doors close (probably due to new ADA
regulations). There is a "Ding-Dong" and an announcement before the
doors close, followed by "BEE-bee-BEE-bee-BEE-bee..." as the doors are
closing.
- Computerized traction and braking control -- a single lever
controls both acceleration and braking.
- AC Traction Motors controlled using choppers.
- Battery powered operation. Power from the third rail is used to
charge batteries, from which power is drawn, converted to AC, and
passed to the AC traction motors. This will allow trains to proceed
to the next station (or back to the previous station) in case of a
loss of third rail power.
- Air bag suspension. Compressors are used to inflate air bladders
which are used instead of springs. A computer continuously monitors
the train, adjusting the inflation of the bags and keeping the train
level.
- Passenger alarm system. A pressure sensitive tape switch is
mounted throughout the interior of each car. When pressed, the
operator is notified, and a light on the outside of the car comes on,
alerting police as to in which car the emergency exists. (this has
already been installed in some cars on the J line).
- Door motors are now electronically controlled and use worm drive as
opposed to the older lever style actuators. It is now impossible to
force a door open once it is closed.
- Electronic route/destination signs (already on some R-44/46 cars),
and synthesized voice station anouncements controlled from the cab.
- Automatic climate control. All Heating and Air-Conditioning is
controlled automatically using a thermostat in each car. The cars
switch automatically between heating and cooling as necessary.
- Exterior appearance. Both trains are in the now-standard stainless
steel and glass.
|
