The Muni Metro is on the verge of a major upgrade to its Automatic Train Control System (ATCS), transitioning from a system reliant on 5.25-inch floppy disks to a more modern setup. According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, this change will significantly enhance operational capabilities.
In mid-October, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) board approved a contract worth $212 million as part of their larger $700 million expenditure aimed at improving the transportation system. This deal, awarded to Hitachi Rail, will replace the old floppy disk infrastructure with a new system utilizing Wi-Fi and cellular signals for precise tracking of train locations. However, this agreement still requires final endorsement from the SFMTA Board of Supervisors.
The current ATCS, which has been operational since 1998, employs a hybrid approach: it operates automatically in the subway but requires manual control when above ground, as noted by a spokesperson from SFMTA in an interview with Ars Technica.
The SFMTA has sought a transition away from floppy disk dependency since 2018, aiming to finalize this project by 2028, although pandemic delays have hindered progress. The software in the outdated floppy disk system is now officially obsolete, with a lifespan expectation of 20 to 25 years that has come and gone, according to Muni officials speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle.
As part of the new contract, Hitachi Rail has committed to providing 20 years of support alongside the installation of the upgraded communications-based train control system. The SFMTA is currently aiming for completion of this phase between 2027 and 2028, with full delivery of the entire $700 million project set for around 2033 to 2034.
While floppy disks are often seen as relics of the past, they continue to have niche applications. For instance, the aviation sector and some Boeing 747-400 aircraft still utilize floppy disks for navigation system updates. Other quirky uses include the animated characters featured at Chuck E. Cheese establishments, which operate on floppy disks. Additionally, certain medical devices, such as CT scanners and ultrasound machines, rely on this outdated technology. According to the owner of Floppydisk.com, a retailer of legacy tech, they anticipate their business will remain viable for about four more years, as reported by The Register.