> From: PDML [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of > knarftheria...@gmail.com > > Montreal has had computerized subway operation since before 1976 (it > was in place by the 76 Olympics). > > No train operators' jobs were lost. They still sit at their post with a > big red mushroom button ready to be pushed in case an emergency stop is > required. Along with one other train operator (who sits in the driver's > compartment of the last car) he also operates the passenger doors. >
The whole of the Docklands Light Railway here operates without drivers, and there really ought to be a word in the language for the feeling of disappointment you get when you think you're going to get to sit right at the front but just at the last moment some kids turn up and you really can't just shove them out of the way and take the seat yourself. Anyway, the trains still have a 'train captain' whose job it is to, er, stand there doing not much since there's an automatic announcer, the doors unlock automatically when the train stops, there's no big red button (otherwise a passenger would sit on it). I think their main function is to make sure you don't take a bike on unless it is fully folded (and they won't accept that a non-folding bike is of necessity fully folded at all times). Ocassionally they wave a sensor in your general direction to make sure your electronic ticket is up-to-date. Anyway again, since their job is far less skilled than a driver's job, they cost far less to hire and train, and the network is more or less immune from strikes because the 'train captains' can be sacked very cheaply. B > I am sure that if Seattle or any other city implemented automatic > operation of their subways operators would still be required as a "set > of eyes" for emergencies, even if some sort of hazard sensing system > were installed. > [...] -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
