Rybit
06-10-2009, 01:16 PM
According to BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8090608.stm), London is facing a 48-hour strike of transport services. It really makes you wonder if automated trains are the future.
It is unfortunate that many train engineers will inevitably lose their jobs as a result of any attempt to automate train services, but strikes like these are simply knocking the final nail in the coffin. It seems that this strike will cost London £48 million.
Hong Kong's privatised MTR system already has automated trains installed in every line, which leave on-time and arrive precisely when they say they arrive. Hong Kong has never experienced a strike for the history and operation of its network. Every station is built like an airport terminal, with clear signage, flowing air conditioning, platform screen doors, and built into existing buildings and infrastructures leading you directly to nearby building basements and underground improvements.
As Hong Kong's MTR Corporation was handed the contract (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=488079) for Transport for London's subway system for 10 years, it may be possible that we will see the train stations in London fitted with automatic control.
http://ayonae.com/img/HongKongMTR.jpg
Admiralty Station (金鐘), Island Line Platform
(and yes, MTR in English does say, "Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.")
This train will take passengers across the harbour. They are very clear which gap you should mind!
http://ayonae.com/img/StationPlatform.jpg
"The train to Tsuen Wan is arriving. Please let passengers exit first."
People in Hong Kong are very good at queuing, but less people let passengers inside exit than this first rule released.
http://ayonae.com/img/mindgaphkc.jpg
http://ayonae.com/img/mindgaphkd.jpg
It is unfortunate that many train engineers will inevitably lose their jobs as a result of any attempt to automate train services, but strikes like these are simply knocking the final nail in the coffin. It seems that this strike will cost London £48 million.
Hong Kong's privatised MTR system already has automated trains installed in every line, which leave on-time and arrive precisely when they say they arrive. Hong Kong has never experienced a strike for the history and operation of its network. Every station is built like an airport terminal, with clear signage, flowing air conditioning, platform screen doors, and built into existing buildings and infrastructures leading you directly to nearby building basements and underground improvements.
As Hong Kong's MTR Corporation was handed the contract (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=488079) for Transport for London's subway system for 10 years, it may be possible that we will see the train stations in London fitted with automatic control.
http://ayonae.com/img/HongKongMTR.jpg
Admiralty Station (金鐘), Island Line Platform
(and yes, MTR in English does say, "Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.")
This train will take passengers across the harbour. They are very clear which gap you should mind!
http://ayonae.com/img/StationPlatform.jpg
"The train to Tsuen Wan is arriving. Please let passengers exit first."
People in Hong Kong are very good at queuing, but less people let passengers inside exit than this first rule released.
http://ayonae.com/img/mindgaphkc.jpg
http://ayonae.com/img/mindgaphkd.jpg