Toronto Star: Plans could signal end of line for subway train drivers

[marmar]

Subway plans could signal end of line for train drivers
TTC plans $340-million upgrade to automate Yonge-University line

Mar 13, 2009 04:30 AM

Tess Kalinowski
transportation reporter


Imagining the subway without a driver would be a leap for many riders on the TTC, which puts an operator and a guard on the trains.

But as counterintuitive as it might be, computer-driven trains – like the ones on Scarborough Rapid Transit – are safer and more efficient than manually driven systems.

Driverless trains are now standard on new urban rail systems and older ones that are re-signalling their lines.

Three decades ago, when the SRT and its technology were brand new, the TTC decided instead to use drivers.

But the SRT runs automatically. The attendant sitting at the front is responsible for monitoring the platform and track, then closing the train door so it moves off again.

The TTC will award a contract next month for automatic train control (ATC) to replace the 50-year-old wayside signal system on the Yonge-University subway line, at a cost of $342.3 million. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/article/601538