US News

SUBWAY PLAN IS ‘7’ HEAVEN

The 7 line is going robo.

MTA officials are taking bids on an estimated $348 million project to computerize the Flushing-to-Times Square line, which would allow more frequent service and provide station video displays counting down the number of minutes until the next train arrives.

Officials said that by the end of the year, they hope to have a contractor on board — within the estimated price tag — for the expected 6½-year project.

Straphangers along the line said train-timer screens would be a welcome addition.

“If it answers the question of when the next train is coming, sure, it’s a good thing. If the MTA has the money, why not do it?” said college professor Jeffrey Freedman.

Sunnyside, Queens, commuter Stephen Thomas added, “I guess it’s like elevator controls 100 years ago — technology goes out of date.”

The Brooklyn-to-Manhattan L line already has a similar high-tech system — known as “communication-based train control” — which allows trains to run closer together because their speed and braking are controlled by computers instead of humans.

On-board train operators simply press a button to hand over control, but remain in the front cab in case of an emergency, said NYC Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges.

If the operator doesn’t press the button at least once a minute as a train is rolling, it halts.

“It maintains speeds within safe limits and ensures that train doors are opened safely,” Fleuranges said.

Some riders on the 7 fretted about the ramifications of a high-tech line.

“It’s good to see something like this done, but it could take away jobs,” said Shanna Sobel, of Washington Heights.

The 7 project has an added complication, watchdogs said, because unlike the L, the 7 has weekday express service on a center track for much of its run in Queens.

Computers would have to precisely control switches that put both express and local trains on one track just before reaching Manhattan.

“It’s another piece of complexity to take into account,” said Bill Henderson, of the MTA’s Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee.

“It’s a great idea,” said 7 rider Anna Callahan. “But I’d rather those millions of dollars go toward lowering my fare.”

tom.namako@nypost.com