Rapid Transit Automation and the Last Crew Member

Rapid transit systems in many cities are being automated, but most transit officials reject the idea of operation without crews on the train as idealistic. At the same time large resources are spent on development of full automation for numerous new systems such as PRT, many of which have no defined role in urban transportation programmed train movement eliminates any possible improper driving practices. However, nearly all rapid transit vehicles have indirect controls which prevent the driver from improper acceleration and assist him in braking. Thus improvement through A TO is again not significant.