Muni Cites Computer Glitch For Ending Metro Train 'Double Stopping' After Only 2 Days
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)-- Transportation officials in San Francisco discontinued double stopping for Muni Metro trains shortly after the new practice launched, citing computer problems that affected station announcements.
Officials started double stopping on Sunday at the Montgomery, Powell and Civic Center stations. The changes allowed two trains to stop and let passengers off in the station at the same time.
However, Muni officials realized that because of a software problem, some trains were not being announced until after they left the station.
Muni spokesman Paul Rose says they made a decision to fix the problem before moving forward.
The capacity for double stopping, or double birthing is part of a larger software upgrade. Rose said Muni is now working with the software's manufacturer on a fix for the announcement issue, but does not have a timeline for its completion. The automated announcements, which were mistakenly identifying trains on the platform was especially a problem for visually impaired passengers.
The new practice was intended to allow riders to disembark more quickly at the busiest stations. Double stopping will be used only during times of congestion such as peak commute hours.
Officials say riders have complained about having to wait inside a train while passengers get off of the train up ahead.
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