Individual Solution – Toronto Subway

Upgrade the Subway's Signaling System: Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system

An exploration into the efficacy of upgrading Toronto's subway signaling system could potentially yield a
practical solution to service delays. Currently, the city's subway relies on a fixed block signaling system
(Draaisma, 2022); this is a major factor contributing to extended wait times and inefficiencies, especially
during peak hours (Egan, 2021). Transitioning to a communication-based train control (CBTC) system
could offer numerous benefits which may include an increased capacity and reliability, alongside reduced
waiting times (Abadi, 2022). However, this proposition comes with considerable costs and potential
challenges that merit further investigation. Toronto subway's existing fixed block system limits train
frequency, which exacerbates service delays during rush hours (Draaisma, 2022). The CBTC system's real-
time communication of train positions, speed, and direction enables precise control, potentially
enhancing operational efficiency (Abadi, 2022). Adopting a CBTC system could significantly bolster the
subway's capacity. This could help diminish waiting times for commuters. Additionally, this improved
efficiency may even result in energy savings as well as operational cost reductions over time (Abadi,
2022). However, while the benefits of this system are significant, the signaling system's upgrade would
entail considerable upfront costs. In addition to the cost, the transition process could induce temporary
service disruptions and may even require further training for staff, adding on to the long-term costs.

Examples of Impact of CBTC over the traditional signaling systems have been provided below.

Environmental Impact: The implementation of a CBTC system could potentially reduce energy
consumption by up to 15% (Thales Group, 2017), which can contribute to the ongoing fight against
climate change. A more efficient subway system translates to less dependency on private vehicles,
thereby decreasing CO2 emissions. The energy-efficient running of trains with a CBTC system could also
diminish Toronto's transportation sector's carbon footprint.

Social Impact: The enhanced efficiency in the subway system could decrease average waiting times by
up to 20%. This would improve the commuting experience for Toronto residents (Yan et al., 2017). While
temporary service disruptions during the transition period may be inconvenient; the long-term benefits
e.g., fewer service delays and improved safety, would likely be appreciated by the public.

Economic Impact: The upfront cost of implementing a CBTC system may be offset by long-term financial
prospects and gains. However, to accurately access this, there needs to be done a thorough cost-benefit
analysis would be necessary to ensure that the economic advantages outweigh the costs of
implementation (Wang et al., 2018).

References
Wang, X., Liu, L., Tang, T., & Sun, W. (2018). Enhancing communication-based train control systems

through train-to-train communications. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation

Systems, 20(4), 1544-1561.
Yan, F., Gao, C., Tang, T., & Zhou, Y. (2017). A Safety Management and Signaling System Integration

Method for Communication-Based Train Control System. Urban Rail Transit, 3(2), 90–99.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40864-017-0051-7

Abadi, M. (2022). The impact of communication-based train control (CBTC) systems on subway efficiency

and service reliability. Transport Reviews, 42(1), 123-142.

Egan, M. (2021). The costs and benefits of upgrading subway signalling systems: A case study of the

Toronto Transit Commission. Urban Studies, 58(6), 1205-1222.

Draaisma, M. (2022, September 30). TTC completes new signalling system for Line 1 | CBC News. CBC.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ttc-signalling-system-automatic-train-control-

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