Driverless subway trainIn 1962, the first fully automated subway train began revenue service with passengers in New York City. This began a six-month trial period as a shuttle 2,600-ft between the Times Square and Grand Central stations. A ceremony was followed by a run carrying invited guests and reporters. Next day, it began service for three hours each morning and evening rush hours. With a top speed of 30 m.p.h., a round trip took 4-1/2 mins including waiting time in the station. The three-car train carried a stand-by motorman. A strike threat by the Transport Workers Union had delayed an earlier scheduled trial beginning the previous 15 Dec, and resulted in a contract agreement that a motorman would still be aboard each train during the trial period. It remained in service until 21 Apr 1964, until destroyed by the spread of a nearby major fire in a station.«[Image: Earlier R-22 car in Coney Island Yard, in Jun 1960 after use for testing runs.] |
