Windowless driver cabs?

[bastien]

And I am assuming you've noticed it is totally self contained without any other conflicting traffic, fairly small, has slow speeds, uses the same rolling stock used everywhere on the system and doesn't have traffic or pedestrian crossings. Very very different to the national network.

As the reply above said, I don't think anyone is saying it is not possible. But it is probably further off than some people here want to think, and holding up something like the DLR as "proof" it could happen quickly isn't proof at all.

Alsi the DLR uses a fail-safe signalling system that was designed and tested for that purpose.

Not some shonky snake oil whose current killer application is to add pointy ears and boggly eyes to a photo of your face.

 

[James James]

And I am assuming you've noticed it is totally self contained without any other conflicting traffic, fairly small, has slow speeds, uses the same rolling stock used everywhere on the system and doesn't have traffic or pedestrian crossings. Very very different to the national network.

As the reply above said, I don't think anyone is saying it is not possible. But it is probably further off than some people here want to think, and holding up something like the DLR as "proof" it could happen quickly isn't proof at all.

And yet, French and Swiss railways are already testing full automation on their networks. And self-driving cars are managing with traffic and pedestrian crossings, on unrestricted roads.

Sure, there's scepticism to be had - but many naysayers here are denying things that are happening today.

Anyhow, outside of the UK I don't see much point in investment in windowless cabs. Most trains outside the UK on't bother with corridor connections, so they can get a full cab, and there's little incentive to change away from that since that arrangement already gives optimal view (at least until human drivers completely disappear). The front of the train is essentially a big crash absorber, so there's very little space to be gained by removing the cab - further lessening any incentives. And the UK with its cramped corridor cabs is too insigificant to have much influence on the development of advanced rail technology.

 

[Andy25]

What's the difference between that and driverless cars which lots of people seem keen on and will be happy to use apparently?

Don't think people have much problem with on docklands.

 

[GrimShady]

Driving backwards?
Just like the SPV for those of a certain age.
It might be wise to rotate it though as it may lead to motion sickness.

Lol

Spectrum Locos

 

[DPWH]

I think what we'll see gradually is "driver aids" creeping in, where a driver gets a little extra help to enhance safety. Maybe others can think of some better ideas, but I can imagine, for example an aid that avoids wrong side door release. It will be hard for the unions to argue with this on the grounds of safety, indeed the drivers may be in favour, but each one will be a step towards a fully automated train.

 

[Dieseldriver]

I think what we'll see gradually is "driver aids" creeping in, where a driver gets a little extra help to enhance safety. Maybe others can think of some better ideas, but I can imagine, for example an aid that avoids wrong side door release. It will be hard for the unions to argue with this on the grounds of safety, indeed the drivers may be in favour, but each one will be a step towards a fully automated train.

A safety system to avoid wrong side door releases/stop short door releases should be mandatory on trains where Drivers operate the doors. It has existed on LUL for many years and I can't think of any Driver that wouldn't agree with it.
Your comment about unions made me laugh, you are aware that unions aren't arguing against such systems yeah? ATP, TPWS, forward facing cameras, ASDO, DAS, Train Management Systems etc are all technology that have been introduced in recent (in railway terms) years...