Are there any driverless trains?

GoA4 – Americas First completely driverless metro line in Latin America. The longest driverless network in the Americas, at 79.6 km.



Yes, driverless trains (specifically Grade of Automation 4, or GoA4) are extremely common in 2026 and have been for decades in many cities. The Paris Métro (Lines 1, 4, and 14), the London Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and the Vancouver SkyTrain are world-famous examples of fully automated systems where no staff member is present in the cab. In Asia, cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai operate massive driverless networks. In 2026, we are also seeing the expansion of "unattended" operations to long-distance freight; Australia's Rio Tinto AutoHaul network operates heavy-haul freight trains over hundreds of miles without a driver. The transition to driverless technology is driven by increased frequency (trains can run closer together), improved safety (removing human error), and operational efficiency, with modern 5G-based signaling systems allowing for real-time adjustments to train speed and spacing.

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While full driverless autonomy is certainly technically possible, and is applied on various routes worldwide, it still accounts for only a tiny percentage of trains running today. New trains are still being designed and built with fully equipped driver cabins.

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The first automated metro line in the European Union was launched in the French city of Lille in 1983. Initially, it consisted of 12 stations. Since that time, Lille Metro has been developed significantly. Now, it includes two fully automated lines with 60 stations.

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Safety precaution. And convenience. You want someone in front who is able to swiftly make decisions on the possibility that the track control does something wrong. It seldom does, and if it does it's not certain that it's the train driver who is actually able to do something about it, that spots it in time.

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While automated trains only comprise a relatively small fraction of the world's total transit systems, the percentage is growing as more urban and regional authorities realize the advantages. Driverless trains reduce the chance of human error while improving rail efficiency and safety.

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Automatic driverless metros have now begun passenger service on Paris Metro's Line 4, as work has been completed to digitise and automate the century-old line. More driverless shuttles will be introduced over time to achieve full automation by the end of 2023.

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Deutsche Bahn (DB), in partnership with Siemens Mobility, has developed the world's first fully automated driverless train in Germany.

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All London Underground trains are currently either operated manually (when a train driver controls starting and stopping, the operation of doors and handling of emergencies) or in semi-automatic mode (when starting and stopping is automated, but a driver operates the doors and drives the train if needed).

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Deutsche Bahn and Siemens have developed the world's first train that runs by itself, the two groups said in a statement. The technology does not require a specific track as the autonomous train runs on the same network as those operated by drivers.

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China's first commercial driverless sky train begins trial run in Wuhan's hi-tech park. The Chinese city of Wuhan began testing a driverless sky train in its hi-tech park on May 9, 2023. The country's first commercial sky train is expected to open to the public later in the year.

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Autonomous trains operate on tracks shared with other vehicles and pedestrians. They rely on digital signalling, but they require additional powerful sensors to analyse hazards around them and processors that enable them to adapt and even make decisions. Autonomous trains do not need a driver or attendants on board.

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Starting and stopping are automated, but a train attendant operates the doors and drives the train in case of emergencies. In this system, trains run automatically from station to station but a staff member is always in the train, with responsibility for handling of emergency situations.

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The driverless Shinkansen tests have so far taken place on the northernmost section of the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, which is not used by commercial traffic. This 5km-long section runs from Niigata station to the stock depot at Higashi-Niigata.

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Plane travel is safest, reports Ian Savage, of the Dept. of Economics & Transportation Center at Norwestern University, in the Huff Post Live video clip above. Trains are three times more dangerous than flying but safer than traveling by car (which is 40 times more risky than flying), according to Savage.

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Cons of Self-Driving Cars
  • Security issues. One of the potential cons about self-driving cars is the possibility of hacking. ...
  • Job losses. Those who depend on driving to make a living may find their career obsolete with the introduction of self-driving cars. ...
  • Initial costs. ...
  • Moral Machine dilemma. ...
  • Machine error.


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