BMT Canarsie Line facts for kids
The BMT Canarsie Line is a very busy part of the New York City Subway system. More than 565,000 people ride it every single day! On subway maps, the trains that use this line are shown in a light gray color.
Only one train service runs on the Canarsie Line, and that's the L train. It travels from 8th Avenue in Manhattan all the way to Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn.
Contents
The L Train: A Modern Ride
The L train is known for being one of the most modern lines in the New York City Subway. It uses special technology called "Communication-Based Train Control," or CBTC. This system helps trains run more smoothly and closer together.
How CBTC Helps Trains
CBTC is like a smart computer system that controls the trains. It helps them know exactly where other trains are on the tracks. This means trains can travel safely with less space between them. Because of this, more trains can run on the line each hour. This helps reduce waiting times for riders.
New Trains for a New System
To use this modern CBTC system, the Canarsie Line needed new trains. The R143 subway cars were bought specifically for the L train. These trains work perfectly with the new technology. They help make the L train a very efficient way to travel.
Facing Challenges: Hurricane Sandy
The Canarsie Line has faced big challenges, like Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This powerful storm caused a lot of flooding in New York City.
Flooding in the Tunnels
During Hurricane Sandy, the tunnels that carry the L train under the East River were filled with water. This made it impossible for trains to run. It caused a lot of damage to the tracks and equipment.
Repairs and Improvements
After the storm, a lot of hard work was needed to fix the tunnels. Engineers and construction workers repaired the damage. They also made improvements to help protect the line from future storms. This included building new barriers and making parts of the system more waterproof. These efforts helped the L train get back on track and be ready for future weather events.
Images for kids
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Junction with New Lots Line
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An R143 L train, used on the Canarsie Line because of its modern automation system.
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Tunnels flooded by Hurricane Sandy.
See also
In Spanish: Línea Canarsie para niños
