By Mark Hallum
Newly re-appointed MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota led a panel discussion at the June 29 Genius Transit Challenge conference last Friday with transit leaders from major cities across the world who shared methods their organizations utilized to improve service for riders.
Representatives from the Toronto Transit Commission, RATP Dev North America, a subsidiary of the French-owned transit company responsible for management of the Paris Metro, East Japan Railway, Zurich Public Transport, and Tokyo Metro were key speakers in attendance.
Paris Metro was able to face-lift its transit system, which predates New York City’s by a matter of a few years, by upgrading the signal system and adding driverless trains. This was particularly important for the 1 train, the city’s oldest line, which runs through some of the most scenic parts of Paris, for tourism. Additionally, the Metro added four new lines.
Zurich Public Transport Director Guido Schock said that although Zurich boasts only half a million people, it is a globally economic city. Utilizing technology to keep riders informed has been pivotal to a well-functioning transit system for Zurich.
Masaki Ogata, executive vice president of technology at East Japan Railway, said privatization of his entityin the late 1980s brought vast improvements to the train network, which serves millions of commuters. Congestion on this railway was a problem until investment improved signal systems, which allowed traffic to flow more reliably and with better service customers. Ridership has improved over the years, according to Ogata.
Masao Tomeoka, managing director of Tokyo Metro, spoke about innovation, includinggaining access to trains by holding up a smart watch to turnstiles.
Andy Byford, CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission, said the Toronto transit system was suffering in a similar fashion to the MTA until investment and substantial technological overhauls were made.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
