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Old August 26th 03, 10:27 AM posted to uk.transport.london
Cast_Iron Cast_Iron is offline
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First recorded activity at LondonBanter: Jul 2003
Posts: 313
Default Driverless trains.


"Ed Crowley" wrote in message
...

"Richard J." wrote in message
...
CJG wrote:
If DLR can run without drivers. Why can't the Victoria line have the
drivers turfed out of the cab and down checking tickets.
I know there is a higher frequency of trains on Victoria than DLR. But
surely if DLR can run safety with no drivers then underground lines
can?


DLR trains have a train captain (or whatever they're now called) whose
duties include opening and closing the doors, and making sure that this

is
done safely. He can do this from any of a number of points on the train
because the trains are short and the trains were designed that way.

On the tube, trains are much longer, hence TV is needed to enable the

train
operator to close the doors safely with full visibility of the platform
(some of which are curved, unlike DLR). In practice this means that the
screens are either in the cab or at the front of the platform.

Duplicate
screens and other equipment could be provided elsewhere in principle,

but
I
don't see how the extra cost could be justified.


Couldn't a button be fitted on the platform that allows platform staff to
close the train doors when safe? You then wouldn't need any staff on the
trains at all ...


And what happens when the train comes to a sudden stop due to mechanical
failure? Are all passengers going to be trained in remedying faults?