When I first learnt about driverless trains, I thought that the idea was cool.
But then I often wonder how they’re gonna do all the technical sh*t when there’s a breakdown.
Just FYI, these thoughts were formed before our rail network started to disappoint us drastically.
So you can guess how far I’m rolling my eyes now.
I’ve personally been stuck on the CCL during a breakdown before.
The lights and aircon were off, and there was no announcement or anything.
And we (the passengers) can’t just pry open the machines and try to save ourselves, so you can guess how frantic we were.
The only thought I had in mind was how a driverless train was a super bad idea.
I mean, it’s efficient and all…but can we really depend on machines for answers?
I guess both SBS Transit and SMRT are also re-looking into the problem, because their driverless trains ain’t driverless anymore.
According to The Straits Times, this is an effort to increase reliability.
SBS Transit
The company operates the North-East Line (NEL) and the Downtown Line (DTL).
It has started to plant a staff on board every NEL train since October last year.
SBS Transit spokesman Tammy Tan said: “We have staff on board our driverless trains not only as a reassurance to commuters, but also for operational contingency.”
SMRT
SMRT also added drivers to some trains on the Circle Line (CCL) in the second half of 2017.
It plans to implement this in all driverless trains soon.
Advertisements
Effects
It has been seen that adding trained staff on these trains can help service to recover faster in times of breakdown.
Which I already guessed. Just saying.
A driver will be able to carry out a “push-out” immediately. It basically means pushing a faulty train out of the way.
With a driver on board, there’s no need to wait for a driver to make his way to the train.
That saves your time, my time, everybody’s time.
Advertisements
So…goodbye driverless trains?
Read Also
- Ultimate Guide to All Early Closures & Late Openings of MRT/LRT in March 2018
- Don’t Say Bojio: Weekday Lunch Sets at $12.80++ @ Ginger at Parkroyal on Beach Road
- Security Guard Caught Trying to Shove an oBike Down a Platform
Featured image: The Straits Times
Read Also:
- 8 Ways to Ensure You Won’t Have Food Poisoning When Having Hotpot
- Fewer People Joined SkillsFuture Programme Last Year Even With More Support from Employers
- Summarising the Cordlife Saga & Simplifying What Cord Blood Is
- It’s Not Just You: S’pore Breaks Record-High Temperature for 2024 on 24 March
- S Iswaran Faces 8 More Charges But This Time, It’s Not Related to Ong Beng Seng
- More Companies in S’pore Engaging Permanent PT Staff Compared to FT Staff
Advertisements