by rail10
My question is will computerized subway cars like those found in the washington metrorail and Marta in Atlanta subway cars will run on a conventional subway like the NYC one?
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Moderator: GirlOnTheTrain
Disney Guy wrote:(copied from another forum)A good example of that is the SF Airport Tram (AirTrain):
I'm told that San Francisco's BART and Washington DC's subway are capable of driverless operation, but still have a driver because the public is apprehensive about riding on driverless trains.
Something like 15 years ago I heard someone in SF telling of a time when the driver got out of the train to inspect something and the train closed its doors and left him behind. No one at any of the later stations realized anything was different.
Both SF and DC are conventional in that there are no partitions on the platform edge to close off the trackway when there is no train in the station.
I'm told that San Francisco's BART and Washington DC's subway are capable of driverless operation, but still have a driver because the public is apprehensive about riding on driverless trains.Washington's Metro is computer controlled. Operators sit in the front cab, but only make announcements and open and close the doors. They can, however, take control of the train if need be.
Radioguy wrote:The Taxi & Limousine Commission would love that.I agree that a conductor is required - if for nothing else than to give the passengers some peace of mind. That's why I like the way the Washington DC Metro operates. They have a conductor in the front car still, even though the train operates itself. He/she still makes announcements, opens and closes the door, and ensures the platform is clear before allowing the train to depart for the next stop.
I know I would ride the subway less often if there were no conductor, and I think most would agree. (especially at night) All too often they are the last vestige of the civilized world on a moving train.
arrow wrote:That's why I like the way the Washington DC Metro operates. They have a conductor in the front car still, even though the train operates itself. He/she still makes announcements, opens and closes the door, and ensures the platform is clear before allowing the train to depart for the next stop.You mean the operator handles both duties? In NYC we have both an operator and a conductor, and short of a roaming conductor, it's better than just an operator at the front. Occasionally, I see another employee in a rear cab as well. Can't beat that even if he's off duty.
Although of course in NYCT world, the conductor is in the middle car so unless you're in one of the two middle cars, there's really not much the conductor can do to help if you need it.