MTA PLATFORM SCREEN DOORS

Ayan Hussain, Kenneth Chen, Zawad Islam, Hazim Naji

Professor Elisabeth von Uhl 

May 13, 2024

Table of Contents:

1. Press release………………………………………………………………….. (3)
2. Summary..……………………………………………………………………..(4)
3. Introduction……………………………………………………………………(5)
4. Proposed program……………………………………………………..………(7)
5. Innovation process……………………………………………………………(11)
6. Appendices……………………………………………………………………(13)
7. Reference Page………………………………………………………………………(14)

Press release

SustainableCity Ventures Inc.                                                       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May, 2024

From: Hazim Naji

Owner of SustainableCity Ventures Inc.

Subject: Revolutionizing Safety

NYC Subway System to Implement Train Platform Doors

New York City, May 6, 2024 – In light of the escalating safety and efficiency concerns within the New York City subway system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is taking swift action. SustainableCity Ventures is announcing a pioneering initiative to install doors on select subway platforms. This proactive measure is a direct response to alarming statistics that reveal a surge in subway-related incidents, including an increase in crime rates and tragic accidents involving individuals struck by trains.

In 2022, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) began installing platform doors at three train stations in New York City. The MTA plans to complete this project by the end of the current year, using a budget of $100 million. However, this project needs to expand to train stations across NYC. SustainableCity Ventures aims to develop comprehensive plans and create safety throughout all NYC train stations with an estimated budget of $16 billion.

Our budget is more reasonable than the MTA’s initial outlay because we have leveraged cost-effective technologies and streamlined project management strategies to reduce expenses while maintaining high safety standards. SustainableCity Ventures is prepared to take immediate action, ensuring that our plans are executed efficiently and effectively, delivering a safer transit experience for all New Yorkers.

SustainableCity Ventures was established by four dedicated engineers committed to fostering community enhancement. Their collective mission is to cultivate a more sustainable and prosperous environment for all.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] – 1(800)-387-2008

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Summary 

Intentional or forced track invasions onto the rails have been a significant source of trouble for the MTA in recent years. In many cases, intrusions onto the tracks cause several train deaths, injuries, and delays. According to the MTA, January of 2022 saw 160 invasions, the most for a single month in the three years before. Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), which resemble automatic doors that open when a train arrives at a station and can adjust to the location of the train doors, are a solution to this issue. The MTA has thought about this since the 1980s but hasn’t done anything about it. This idea will not only solve the problem but also boost confidence and provide a sense of security for the people of New York. 

Introduction:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is North America’s largest transportation network, serving over 15 million people in the New York metropolitan area. Dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation, the MTA manages various transit modes, including subways, buses, commuter rail, and bridges/tunnels. One of its innovative safety initiatives is the introduction of train platform doors, reflecting the MTA’s commitment to enhancing public transportation for all.

Since its inception in 1904 by Mayor George McClellan, the New York subway system has seen significant advancements. Despite numerous positive developments, track invasions have recently become a major concern, resulting in deaths and injuries. These invasions often occur when an individual is pushed onto the tracks, but there are also instances involving mentally ill individuals or those contemplating suicide who intentionally jump in front of trains.

Recent NYPD data highlights the urgent need for proactive safety measures in the NYC Subway System. Crime rates within subway stations have increased over the past year, with incidents ranging from petty theft to more serious offenses. Moreover, the grim reality of subway-related fatalities persists, with 241 individuals struck by trains last year alone.

The proposed platform screen door program is not only relevant but groundbreaking. Beyond preventing accidents and deterring criminal behavior, it represents a revolutionary shift in urban transportation safety. By harnessing technology and innovation, the MTA is not only safeguarding lives but also setting a new standard for cities worldwide facing similar public transit challenges.

Implementing train platform doors can enhance safety, reduce the strain on emergency services, and lower the economic impact of subway-related incidents. By minimizing accidents and criminal activities, the program aims to improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and bolster the overall resilience of the NYC Subway System.

As the MTA continues its commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency within the NYC Subway System, the installation of train platform doors is a clear demonstration of this dedication. By addressing the root causes of subway-related incidents and proactively implementing preventive measures, the MTA is paving the way for a safer, more resilient future for public transportation in New York City.

The image on the left is from the Japan Times on Jan 17, 2012. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/01/17/reference/platform-doors/

  The image on the right is from The Mainichi on Jan 2, 2017. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170102/p2a/00m/0na/011000c

Proposed Program

Platform Edge Doors (PEDs) are safety barriers installed at the edge of subway platforms to enhance passenger safety by preventing accidental falls onto the tracks. In the New York City (NYC) subway system context, implementing PEDs presents unique technical challenges due to the system’s age, varying platform configurations, and high passenger volumes.

1. Panels:
   1. Material Selection

Panels are chosen for their durability, impact resistance, and transparency. Common materials include tempered glass or polycarbonate, renowned for their ability to withstand physical stress while maintaining optical clarity. 

2. Fabrication Process

It involves precise cutting and shaping of the selected material to fit the specific dimensions and contours of the platform edge. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is employed for accurate templates, and techniques like water jet or laser cutting ensure precise edges and cutouts. 

3. Edge Finishing and Sealing

Edges are polished or beveled to eliminate sharp edges while sealing mechanisms prevent moisture ingress and enhance structural integrity. 

4. Mounting System

Panels are securely mounted to the support structure using a combination of mechanical fasteners and adhesives. Stainless steel brackets or clamps may be used for structural support, ensuring a minimal visual profile while providing robust attachment to the platform edge. 

2. Support Structure
   1.  Material Selection

Stainless steel or aluminum alloys are chosen for the support structure due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. 

2. Structural Design

It is engineered to distribute loads evenly along the platform edge, minimizing stress concentrations and potential failure points. Finite element analysis (FEA) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools optimize the design for maximum strength and durability. 

3. Anchoring System

Mechanical or chemical anchors secure the support structure to the concrete platform, providing sufficient pull-out resistance and shear strength to withstand forces exerted during normal operations and emergencies. 

4. Corrosion Protection

Coatings, anodization, or stainless steel passivation treatments are applied to the support structure to prevent corrosion. 

3. Sensors and Controls
   1. Sensor Types

Various sensors, including proximity, infrared, and pressure sensors, detect trains, passengers, and potential obstructions along the platform edge. 

2. Sensor Placement

Strategically positioned along the platform edge, sensors provide comprehensive area coverage. They are mounted on the support structure or embedded within the platform surface to minimize interference with passenger flow. 

3. Control System Architecture

The controller processes sensor data and generates commands for door operation, incorporating redundant components and fault-tolerant architectures for continuous operation. 

4. Emergency Overrides

Emergency override mechanisms enable manual operation of the doors in case of power failure or system malfunction. 

4. Door Mechanism
   1. Actuation System

Electric or hydraulic actuators drive door movement, offering precise control over position and speed. 

2. Door Configuration

PEDs may feature sliding or swinging door configurations, selected based on platform constraints and passenger flow patterns. 

3. Safety Features

Anti-entrapment sensors, soft-start soft-stop mechanisms, and safety interlocks prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety standards. 

4. Emergency Manual Override

Manual override mechanisms allow the doors to be operated manually during emergencies.

Innovations process: 

According to The City Journal website, when the MTA decided to install platform doors in three stations back in 2022, the estimated cost of each platform door was $34 million. This is the approximate cost of each platform, and there are about 472 train stations in NYC. However, the idea is to install these doors in the more populated or used train stations in the city. (which stations)

Phase 1: Planning and Assessment

1. Conduct a study to identify suitable subway platforms for installing train doors.
2. Engage stakeholders, including commuters, transportation experts, and government agencies, to gather input and assess potential challenges.
3. Develop design specifications for platform screen doors based on on-site assessments.
4. Secure funding and approvals for the project from authorities.

Phase 2: Design and Procurement

5. Finalize design specifications for train platform doors, ensuring compliance with safety standards and requirements.
6. Issue request for proposals for bids from qualified contractors for the supply and installation of platform screen doors.
7. Evaluate proposals and select contractors based on cost, experience, and expertise.
8. Negotiate contracts and finalize agreements with selected contractors to install train platform doors.

Phase 3: Implementation and Testing

9. Begin installation of platform screen doors at selected subway platforms according to a schedule and logistics plan.
10. Conduct rigorous testing and commissioning of train platform doors to ensure functionality, safety, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
11. Collaborate with MTA staff and contractors to address any technical issues or challenges encountered during installation and testing.
12. Direct observation of subway platforms during peak and off-peak hours to assess passenger behavior, compliance with safety protocols, and any observable impacts of the platform screen doors on crowd management and flow.
13. Conduct training sessions for subway personnel on the operation and maintenance of train platform doors.

Phase 4: Monitoring and Evaluation

13. Implement ongoing monitoring and maintenance protocols to ensure platform screen doors’ continued safety and effectiveness.
14. Collect data on subway-related incidents and accidents before and after installing train platform doors to evaluate effectiveness.
15. Get feedback from commuters on their experience with the new safety measures and identify areas for improvement.
16. Over time, the functionality and performance of train platform doors are monitored continuously through maintenance logs and periodic inspections to identify and address any operational issues or maintenance needs.

Appendices:

• On April 17th we decided on the initial proposal.
• During the spring break, we decided to gather information, find sources that support our claim, and assign roles. 
• Tuesday, April 30th was the deadline for the first draft of the proposal.
• The following week was to focus on the presentation slides. Deadline Monday, May 6th.
• Friday, May 10th was the deadline for the final draft of the proposal. 
• Monday, May 13th is the deadline for the final review of the whole project.

Hazim worked on the press release and references. 

Keneth worked on the summary and introduction.

Ayan worked on the proposed program and appendices. 

Zawad worked on the innovation process and reviewed the other parts to make sure we had the same tone throughout the proposal. 

We all worked on the presentation slides. 

References

1. Gordenker A, 2012. Platform doors. The Japan Times.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/01/17/reference/platform-doors

2. Martinez J, 2022.  MTA Backtracks on Platform Doors, $100M Plans Set for Three Stations by 2024. The City. https://www.thecity.nyc/2022/2/23/22948225/mta-backtracks-on-platform-doors-100m-plans-set-for-three-stations-by-2024

 3. Man killed by New York City subway train after clothes caught in car. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/25/man-killed-new-york-city-subway-train-clothes-caught.

4. The Mainichi, 2012. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170102/p2a/00m/0na/011000c

5. MTA Releases Track Trespassing Task Force Report, 2022.

https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-releases-track-trespassing-task-force-report
6. New York City subway opens. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/new-york-city-subway-opens#:~:text=At%202%3A35%20on%20the,rapid%20transit%20system%3A%20the%20subway.

7.  Platform Screen Doors (PSD). https://railsystem.net/platform-screen-doors-psd/ 8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Platform_screen_doors    

8. Rivoli, Dan, et al. “MTA Budget: Where Does the Money Go?” NY Daily News, 13 Feb. 2018, interactive.nydailynews.com/project/mta-spending/.

9. “NY MTA Tepidly Explores Platform Barriers After Subway Track Deaths … Again: WNYC: New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News.” WNYC, www.wnyc.org/story/283792-nyc-mta-tepidly-explores-platform-barriers-after-subway-track-deaths-again/.

Appendices

Student Name:	Parts Done
Ayan	Press Release
Zawad	Introduction
Hazim	Summary and Innovation Process
Kenneth	Proposed Program

REFLECTION

Zawad Islam

Reflection

 In this reflection on my group’s proposal of installing Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), I will detail the many aspects in which this assignment has forced me to grow.  As a NYC resident who had faced this issue, I wanted to create a solution. The assignment allowed me to dive deep into writing engineering proposals but also allowed me to see the many aspects attached to this type of writing.

Exigence-wise a proposal of this kind stemmed from the need to enhance public safety and efficiency for the subway. I feel as if it should be required due to the high number of people running onto tracks. The peak of this was in January 2022 when there were 160 incidents. This leads to tragic deaths and serious delays for many commuters. This led my team to explore the idea of PSDs as a solution to this problem.

I had two main goals for my purpose, to inform the readers about the countless benefits of installing these PSDs and to raise awareness for these safety needs. Showing how these PSDs can reduce deaths, injuries, and delays, I wanted to persuade the decision-makers behind the scenes in the MTA of the need for these PSDs. I wanted to show this idea through a detailed analysis and technical description of these PSDs. 

For the audience, I wanted a diverse group including MTA officials, city planners, policymakers, and the general public, particularly subway commuters. To reach this audience, I aimed for a writing style that was both persuasive and informative, giving clear evidence and logical arguments without useless jargon, while also being detailed in the technical aspects.

The context for this proposal was due to the high number of deaths and delays due to track invasions. I wanted the MTA to ensure safety and reliability. Despite, the fact that the idea for PSDS has been around since the 80s, I see no progress. That is why the proposal shows many recent events that represent the need for these PSDs. Additionally, it also goes with the modernization of the NYC subway system. We all know an updated, modern subway would raise the living standard in NYC.

In conclusion, this process of creating a proposal with my team for the installation of PSDs has made my understanding of writing for engineers even greater. It has equipped me with valuable skills in research and analysis. Additionally, I learned how to have persuasive writing connected to technical descriptions. I learned a lot through this assignment, now I hope it has an impact.