US Cities Weigh Automated Train Plans

Washington, D.C., is advancing a plan to let computers operate a subway line, while Los Angeles is proposing a new fully automated line; Honolulu already runs an automated system. The projects could take years and face technical and funding hurdles, amid debate over safety and whether high upfront costs are justified by potential labor savings. Supporters say U.S. transit has fallen behind international systems that operate trains and buses without onboard staff, and argue fixed-rail transit should be easier to automate than road vehicles. Washington’s Metro previously used some automated features, but they were disabled after a fatal 2009 crash and restored in recent years.