The first fully automated subway line was in New York, in 1959. The Times Square - Grand Central shuttle was fully automated for six years.[1] But, per union rules, they still had someone on board. A major platform fire at the 42nd St station damaged the rolling stock, and when the station was rebuilt, the one-off automated system was not rebuilt.
The main reason for trying it on that line is that the trip is very short, and the train reverses at each end. The train operator's walk though the train to get to the other end caused delays. Paying for two drivers, one at each end, was a bit much.
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The first fully automated subway line was in New York, in 1959. The Times Square - Grand Central shuttle was fully automated for six years.[1] But, per union rules, they still had someone on board. A major platform fire at the 42nd St station damaged the rolling stock, and when the station was rebuilt, the one-off automated system was not rebuilt.
The main reason for trying it on that line is that the trip is very short, and the train reverses at each end. The train operator's walk though the train to get to the other end caused delays. Paying for two drivers, one at each end, was a bit much.
[1] http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/IRT_Times_Square-Grand_Central...