Do you think all tube trains will be come self driven like the DLR line in future years?

Question

Do you think all tube trains will be come self driven like the DLR line in future years?

Answer 1

The DLR is certainly not the first automatic line on the Underground and associated network.

The Victoria Line was opened about 30 years ago and was fully automatic from the outset. The "driver's" main job was to open and shut the doors.



The Dutch NS railway operator were using automatic main line trains since the late 1960's but they found that they needed a man visibly sat in the cab or passengers wouldn't get on.

Answer 2

Eventually it could well be, however the disruption to the system as they install all the automatic sensors, controls, upgrades, will be huge and the cost running into billions for the network.  

It will be a sad day, due to safety, after all if a train brakes down and the train has to be evacuated for any reason, no staff will be present to help assist and inform you where the safe areas are, if the juice has been turned off, etc.

Answer 3

If, by tube, you mean London Underground, the answer is yes. The Victoria and Central Lines are already fully automated, and work is complete ready for the Jubilee Line's conversion to ATO (Automatic Train Operation) in December 2009. The first stretch, between Stanmore and Kingsbury, is already operational. Work has been done on the Northern Line for its conversion in 2011 (test trains are being run in Highgate sidings and Morden depot) and the Piccadilly Line is due for the work following this.

The S stock trains, which are currently being built for the sub-surface lines (Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and District) will have the facility to be operated automatically although they will be driven manually until the trackside infrastructure is upgraded, ie a new signalling system is installed.

All this will take several years, decades perhaps, but it will eventually happen.

Answer 4

Yea i think so. Its just a matter of coming up with the software to make it feasible and introducing people to that idea. In Las Vegas, there are two major monorails that run operatorless, the Las Vegas Monorail, which covers the Strip, and the monorails that connect people to terminals at McCarian international airport.

Answer 5

Possibly. They have already done away with guards. However, passengers will always need staff on board, like the DLR 'Train Captain', and I guess that he or she will sit in the front of the train.