Humantics, a firm specializing in microlocation, announced it was awarded a $14 million contract with its partner Siemens to create an interoperable Ultra Wideband (UWB) solution for the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).
The 14.5-month project will expand on the success of a 2019 pilot project that determined the effectiveness of UWB in conjunction with communications-based train control (CBTC) systems. The scope of work includes an interoperable UWB specification enabling competition, expanding the UWB ecosystem, and building the foundation for UWB to be used in service in New York City.
“Humantics is pleased to work with the MTA, our pilot partner Siemens, and the broader mobility community to continue to advance next generation transit technologies. Our 2019 pilot, along with other projects, has demonstrated the capabilities of UWB in train control, and we’re excited to deliver interoperable UWB technology that will enable competition and promote innovation beneficial to the MTA and the New York City ridership” said Shawn Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Humantics. “This project demonstrates the commitment of the MTA to UWB technologies and establishes an interoperable solution that is critical for accelerating signal modernization.”
Upgrading the New York City subway system with UWB and CBTC technology will improve the subway’s overall system reliability and availability while increasing capacity – all of which will improve passengers’ experiences, the company said.
In 2019, Humantics outfitted 5.5 miles of train track and 4 trains with UWB technology. After control functional testing, and more than one million hours of operation, the technology was deemed safety certifiable by independent assessors. The pilot, Humantics said, showed that UWB equipment can replace traditional CBTC positioning equipment and is easier to install and maintain while reducing operating costs.