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.

Many modern rail systems in 2026 operate using Automatic Train Operation (ATO), which functions very much like an "autopilot" for the tracks. There are four Grades of Automation (GoA), ranging from GoA 1 (manual with safety overrides) to GoA 4 (fully unattended). In many city metros, such as those in Paris, Singapore, and Vancouver, the trains are GoA 4, meaning they start, stop, and manage doors without any staff on board. On "mainline" or long-distance railways, the system usually operates at GoA 2, where the computer controls the acceleration and braking based on speed limits and signaling data, but a human driver remains in the cab to monitor the environment and intervene during emergencies. This "autopilot" increases energy efficiency, ensures more precise station stops, and allows for higher frequency of service by minimizing human reaction times.