Daniel Borenstein points out the irony that while the Bay Area may be the world's top tech hub, BART has no real plans to consider driverless trains.
Daniel Borenstein criticizes Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), writing that "BART directors have given lip service to the notion of driverless trains, but when it comes to spending billions of dollars on upgrades, they're sticking with the status quo — no matter the long-term cost."
He points to the many Bay Area companies working on self-driving car concepts, and to driverless train models already implemented elsewhere. "This is not just about getting on board with the latest new, new thing. Driverless trains merit serious consideration for much-needed labor cost savings [...]."
According to Borenstein, labor is the force fending off autonomous trains. "But most BART board members are unwilling to risk the wrath of labor unions and the campaign muscle they control. They're unwilling to even discuss the issue. [...] As for BART staff members, they insist that train operators are needed for safety. Never mind that train systems elsewhere in the world are successfully and safely operating without them."
FULL STORY: Borenstein: BART scoffs at driverless train technology
BART to Raise Fares in January
The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.
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South Bay BART Extension Gets $5.1 Billion in Federal Funding
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service