Thameslink Launch (Heavy Rail) Self Driving Train

Jamie2k9

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/thameslink-launches-uks-first-self-drive-train-on-busy-london-route-a3799066.html

The UK’s first “self-drive” mainline train was being launched on a busy London commuter route today.

The Thameslink train was due to switch from manual to computer control between St Pancras and Blackfriars stations.

A computer controls acceleration and braking to ensure efficiency, enabling trains to run every two to three minutes during the rush hour.

The Class 700 Siemens trains will run as close as 100 metres apart at speeds of about 30mph through central London

Could potentially solve lots of problems between GCD-Connolly in future with DU not happening.

cgcsb

imagine the wear and tear on the loopline with trains only 100m apart during the rush, the Malahide viaduct falling into the sea comes to mind. Ireland doesn't do maintenance. Have a look at the grass growing out of the drains on James Joyce Bridge.

MGWR

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Thameslink launches UK's first 'self drive' train on busy London route - Evening Standard

Could potentially solve lots of problems between GCD-Connolly in future with DU not happening.

There is only better signalling needed. Faster and more frequent service is not dependent on "DU", which has problems of its own inherent; complaining over that project is like doing so over Luas to Broombridge although I do like doing that .

Besides, additional infrastructure never solves problems; it merely creates more to maintain. Robots need the living to keep them running. And better hope the robots don't get hacked and take a rush-hour train for a joyride.

dermo888

DART Underground was needed a decade ago. But your mob who supported the Western Rail Corridor blocked it.

Losty Dublin

I was talking about this to a friend who works in the industry in the UK. The bean counters reckon that when the train is automatically driven within a specific tunnelled section of line, all signal applications and braking and changes in acceleration can be done quicker than relying on a drivers natural reflexes and reaction times, to the point where it will utilise track time to it's maximum. The driver remains in the cab and is driving the train as normal, checking doors and so on at stations until the computerised section of track has been passed. In the event of the computer failing then he takes over at the deadman's.

The jury is out on who is responsible in the event of an incident or an accident.

noelfirl

It is the first time that “automatic train operation” (ATO) has been used on the mainline rail network, though automated trains are in use on the Victoria, Northern and Jubilee Tube lines.

As a user of the Northern line every day, one of the most endearing things about the ATO is that the train will always stop at a station in exactly the same position, give or take about 30cm. 

Hence if like me you can count the short number of paving slabs from the end of the platform to where the first door will be, you'll always usually be first onto the train and into a seat. Provided nobody else that is similarly obsessive is already standing there before you...

Jamie2k9

Chances of an accident are slim, one would assume there is fail safe system in place and the tubes/DLR havn't had such accidents to date (?). In addition, very few train accidents are down to drivers anyway. Its usually poor infrastructure or an obstruction. All a driver can do is apply emergency break.

This technology will most likely mean the beginning of the end of guards in the UK, drivers operate the doors and while Themslink is driver only already the RMT appear to more less confirm the guards days are numbered by saying this technology is going to make the railway faceless.

L1011

The DLR has had some major accidents. ALL of them have been due to the train host taking control.