New York City's subways still operating on 80-year-old technology

Those who assert "They don't make 'em like they used to" have not been riding New York City public transit. The intricate labyrinth of New York's subways operates using 80-year-old technology, according this video released by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

The electromagnetic relays and panels that MTA controllers used to direct and locate individual trains date back to the 1930s, which seems surprising until you stand isolated on the un-airconditioned platform of the G train with no departure information or connection to the outside world for 20 minutes on a Tuesday. More shockingly, however, is that the subways' original, cloth-covered cables remain in use, which provides both antiquated connectivity amongst trains and stations, and a Hindenberg-sized fire hazard.

Fortunately, the city is now embarking on the time (and budget) consuming task of updating its underbelly. A new MTA system called Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) will upgrade the antiquated wiring, and mount transponders on tracks and antennae on every car so that controllers (and passengers) can readily access more information about ongoing train arrivals and departures. This technology has already been installed on New York City's L train, which travels on a straight, east-west line through Brooklyn and Manhattan. The next lucky recipient will be the Flushing line, which can expect an upgrade circa 2017.

In the meantime, we suggest checking the MTA's website for updates, selecting travel apparel made from light, breathable fabrics and trying not to think about those cloth cables.