I know of three systems so far that I can think of that are automated , DC Metro,BART and Dubui. DC system is now antiquted and is often driven by a moterman. BART system was built in the 1970s using FORTRAN and Dubui while brand new is running smoothly but given harsh desert conditions who knows how long will that last. The University of WV Morgantown people mover has to make there own parts and is using 1960s technology that dates back to the last time we went to the moon,(If you beleive that we went there in the first place). All the new systems in north america are using Human Brains because nothing is better at split second ajustments and common sence.
New York City's L 14th Street Canarsie Line has been operating automtically for about a year now, withoiut any problems. (Other than the tuneel repairs necessqary) The Number 7 line is next. The operator is retained for security and emergencies, and manual operation is possible. The advantage is a train every 90 seconds, because there is no reaction time between seeing a signal and applyiing brake or power. Under current New York conditions, 100 seconds is the minimium possible otherwise.
PATCO's Philadelohua-Camded-Lidenwald Line has operated automatically since start of regular service over forty years ago. Successfully.
daveklepperPATCO's Philadelohua-Camded-Lidenwald Line has operated automatically since start of regular service over forty years ago. Successfully.
Dave, the Lindenwald line is SEMI-automatic, but when I rode it, I noted that the motorman operated it using the buttons to close the door and to start the train outbound. But when we returned, he ran it using the throttle. When asked "why" he replied, "To keep my proficiency up,. When the rail is wet, the train will slide through the station and so I need to keep my proficiency up to be able to take over." This is because the braking rate is set for dry rail and there is no plan "B" for wet rail. Or as the claim, "Nothing Can Go Wrong." Murphy was an optimist.
Don't know about anyone else, but I'd feel a lot better knowing there's a warm body up in the cab.
Nothing is fail-safe.
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