Driverless Trains

[hash tag]

I see that Thameslink has unveiled it's new electric 700 train ahead of testing and heard it mentioned that it could be driverless. It's no surprise about the driverless bit as the technology must have been around for ages, and notably on the DLR. A little search reveals that driverless tube trains are to be rolled out soon.
People seem to be keeping rather coy about this aspect of the new trains. Are there plans for them to be operated driverless or is this simply a tool with which to hold ASLEF, RMT and the like to ransom?

Poor Bob would be turning in his grave!

 

[Crispy]

On a segregated, purpose-built system like the DLR or an airport people mover, it makes sense to have complete automation. On any legacy system, the notion of a "driver" will become quite different as time goes by, but there will always be someone on a train who can drive it. They just might not have to sit at the front all the time.

 

[Belushi]

Yes, the DLR trains can be driven if necessary

 

[Dogsauce]

Last time I was on a DLR there was someone actually driving it, I was well pissed off as I like to pretend to do that job.

 

[SikhWarrioR]

Victoria Line 67 stock I seem to remember reading the original proposal was for crewless operation In the end they put the ATO on front but all he did was open and close the doors and start the train which then ran from one station to the next station obeying the codes and signals

 

[davesgcr]

Class 700 trains on Thameslink will be "ATO" from Blackfriars to St Pancras only ...driver just moniters and does the doors - much like the Tube (Victoria , Central lines)...

 

[hash tag]

I can't help thinking that the operaors are quietly introducing driverless trains and/or holding train driving unions to ransom.

 

[Zimri]

I can't help thinking that the operaors are quietly introducing driverless trains and/or holding train driving unions to ransom.

In this case I don't have a problem with them doing it this way, what the RMT (primarily) and other unions are looking for is not reasonable.

If the only way to stop the unions disrupting the working lives of hundreds of thousands/millions of people is to do it this way then so be it.

 

[Fez909]

In this case I don't have a problem with them doing it this way, what the RMT (primarily) and other unions are looking for is not reasonable.

If the only way to stop the unions disrupting the working lives of hundreds of thousands/millions of people is to it this way then so be it.

Strikes are meant to be disruptive you idiot. If you remove the ability to disrupt then you have no way to bargain. And so wages, conditions and all that that entails will fall.

 

[Favelado]

Last time I was on a DLR there was someone actually driving it, I was well pissed off as I like to pretend to do that job.

I've done a few shifts from the front seat of the DLR.

I always make sure that I keep it steady at that rollercoaster dip between Bank and Shadwell. Can't have my passengers getting the butterflies.

 

[Favelado]

In this case I don't have a problem with them doing it this way, what the RMT (primarily) and other unions are looking for is not reasonable.

If the only way to stop the unions disrupting the working lives of hundreds of thousands/millions of people is to do it this way then so be it.

Imagine if everyone was in a union. We could all get decent wages.

 

[Ax^]

In this case I don't have a problem with them doing it this way, what the RMT (primarily) and other unions are looking for is not reasonable.

If the only way to stop the unions disrupting the working lives of hundreds of thousands/millions of people is to do it this way then so be it.

*adds another name to the list*

 

[Favelado]

I loved Tube strikes. Took me hours to get to work. Instead of being at work.

 

[SikhWarrioR]

I loved Tube strikes. Took me hours to get to work. Instead of being at work.

And a Legitimate excuse for being late hours waiting for buses or black cabs etc ???

 

[Favelado]

And a Legitimate excuse for being late hours waiting for buses or black cabs etc ???

Yeah - as if I wanted to be in the office. Fuck that.

 

[Chz]

In order to be compatible with current and upcoming signalling systems, new trains pretty much have to contain the necessary technology to be operated semi-autonomously. Whether or not that tech is leveraged to actually be driven on an automated basis is up to whomever owns/runs the trains, but there's no point crying about them being built with the necessary gubbins to do so.

 

[hash tag]

I am sure many many people feel very reassured by having staff on trains. Tubes and DLR not quite so much as there is a very short distance between the frequent stops. But trains, that run for longer distances between stops is much appreciated. Although not necessary, I also like to idea of conductors on the new buses.