The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launched the Genius Transit Challenge to help modernize New York City’s subway system in three key areas, and is accepting applications until August 11th. The challenge accepts applications from anywhere in the world that modernize the subway’s signal system, rapidly deploy modernized subway cars, or increase communications infrastructure with prizes of up to one million dollars.
The first of three challenges focuses on replacing the subway’s existing fixed-block signal system, with solutions accelerating deployment of a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system or presenting an alternate technology that can either be deployed faster than CBTC or has its own advantages.
The second deals with the modernization of the subway cars within the system. This challenge’s core objectives focus on either the accelerated delivery of modern subway cars with modern train control and communication, or plans for the refurbishment of the existing subway cars for improved reliability, rider experience, and the inclusion of modern train control and communication.
The final challenge seeks communication systems able to support the control and communication technologies in the first two challenge areas. Solutions can submit communication infrastructure either for train control systems capable of functioning in stations, subway cars, and tunnels reliably, or for improving rider experience through supporting Wi-Fi and cellular service.
All solutions must be scalable, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable with in the subway network.
Submissions close on August 11th, with finalists able to refine their submissions when announced in September 2017, and the winners of the three challenge categories will be announced in December 2017.
