TTC completes signal upgrades between Dupont and VMC

As of this morning, subway service on TTC’s Line 1 between Dupont and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations is operating on the modern and improved Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.

Upgrades and testing were completed during this past weekend’s subway closure with the system going live prior to service starting at 6 a.m. This milestone means fewer delays associated with the older fixed-block signalling system along this 19-kilometre section of Line 1.

TTC crews spent 11 months installing the communications system and 323 km of cable. Two of those months were dedicated to improvements to manage trains entering and exiting Wilson Yard.

A video explaining how the new signaling system works and the benefits it brings is available at  www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcGhkh10Q3I.

In addition to reducing signal-related delays, ATC increases safety of the subway, improves travel times and lowers operating costs.

Once fully installed, the system will allow the TTC to run trains closer together during the busiest times of day in order to improve capacity and relieve crowding. As installation of ATC continues, weekend closures will continue to be required. As always, the TTC will advise customers in advance of these closures and alternate service plans.

ATC is proven technology that is in operation at more than 100 subway systems throughout the world such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, London and Paris. Like new systems elsewhere, TTC’s Line 1 extension has been running on the ATC system since it opened last December.