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October 29, 2026

Transit systems weigh whether to run trains without a human at the controls

  • Rail automation in the U.S. has lagged behind Europe, but some cities are now considering it.
    • By JEFF McMURRAY
    Associated Press

    Photo via Honolulu Transit [enlarge]
    Honolulu opened its Skyline automated light metro transit system three years ago. Transit officials say there hasn’t been a single crash or injury associated with automation.

    Even as automated vehicles such as robotaxis grow more prevalent in the U.S., almost every mass transit system still requires a driver or operator on board. Two major cities are seeking to change that.


     
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