As automated vehicles like robotaxis become more common in the U.S., most public transit systems still need a driver. However, this might soon change in two major cities: Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
In Washington, D.C., officials are working on a plan that could allow computers to fully control the subway system, while Los Angeles is planning a completely automated subway line. Interestingly, Honolulu already operates an automated transit line.
Both Washington and Los Angeles have ambitious projects that could take years to complete. Still, they face challenges such as funding and ensuring safety. This discussion comes at a time when there is a heated debate about whether the benefits of automated trains outweigh the potential risks and costs.
Supporters argue that the U.S. is behind many countries worldwide that already have automated subway, metro, or bus systems. Cities in Europe, Asia, and even places in Canada and Australia have successfully implemented these technologies. Baruch Feigenbaum, a transportation policy expert, points out that automating a train system is less complicated than automating vehicles on busy roads filled with obstacles.
Despite the advancements in automated road vehicles from companies like Waymo and Tesla, public transit automation has been slow in the U.S. Interestingly, even though Washington’s Metro subway system has had operators since it opened 50 years ago, some automated features were disabled after a tragic crash in 2009 but were restored recently.
Washington officials are now pushing for automation on the Metro’s Red Line, while Los Angeles is exploring a new underground automated line to ease traffic in the Santa Monica Mountains. In contrast, Honolulu already operates the most extensive automated transit system in the U.S., with plans for it to cover 19 miles.
While some automated transit systems have faced challenges—like the closure of a monorail in Memphis and the upcoming halt of the Jacksonville Skyway—Honolulu’s automated system has operated without crashes or injuries, showcasing a successful model.
However, the push for automation isn’t without its critics. Unions have raised concerns about the safety of fully automated systems, arguing that passengers may face risks in emergencies without human operators readily available. John Samuelsen, an international union leader, emphasizes that automation could lead to dangerous situations, especially in systems that rely on high-voltage third rails.
In contrast, officials in Honolulu argue that complete automation can actually enhance safety. Vance Tsuda, project director of Honolulu’s Skyline, claims that automated systems have a better safety record than those with human operators, as humans can often make mistakes that lead to accidents.
Experts like David King from Arizona State University caution that public trust hinges on a flawless safety record. Incidents like the 2009 D.C. train crash, which resulted from signaling issues, have made people wary of automated systems. King believes that public transportation needs to maintain a higher standard than private industry when it comes to safety.
The ambitious automation project in Los Angeles aims to address one of the city’s notorious traffic headaches. The proposed subway line under the Santa Monica Mountains could significantly improve transit efficiency. This new line will feature safety measures like platform doors to protect passengers.
Experts believe that successful automation in major cities like Los Angeles and Washington could inspire other cities to consider similar innovations. Feigenbaum suggests that these projects could signal to other areas that automation is achievable and beneficial.
