Transport for London (TFL) has introduced a fleet of new underground trains that will be able to operate without a driver.
The trains are scheduled to begin operation in the mid-2020s, and are expected to work for at least 40 years, according to Siliconrepublic.com. The trains will run on Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines when they debut.
London plans to have the trains run by a human operator when they start. However, authorities said they are looking to have the fleet completely automated "following extensive engagement with our customers, stakeholders, staff and trade unions."
The city revealed the tube-like cars for the train last week, The Verge reported. These cars are not closed off from one another, which gives passengers the freedom to walk the entire length of the train. Passengers will also be able to get on and off the trains quickly because the entrances come with double-wide doors and are evenly spaced.
The cars are also designed to be shorter, allowing the trains to be more flexible and come closer to the platform edge.
New features of the trains are designed to make it look like a creation of the future, The Verge reported. These features include strips of LED lights on the doors that warn passengers when they are about to close with a red flash. Digital screens will be used for the advertising and signage on the cars rather than paper inserts.
Other additions provided for an enjoyable train ride include air conditioning for certain cars and access to Wi-Fi.
