Is the SkyTrain fully automated?

Launched in December 1985, SkyTrain is the oldest and one of the longest fully-automated, driverless, rapid transit systems in the world.



Yes, the Vancouver SkyTrain is a fully automated, driverless rapid transit system and is currently one of the longest of its kind in the world. Since its launch for Expo 86, the system has used an advanced "SelTrac" moving-block signaling system that allows trains to be operated remotely from a central control center without any staff on board. This automation allows for incredibly high frequency—during peak hours, trains can arrive as often as every 90 to 100 seconds. Because there is no driver's cab, the front window of the train is open to passengers, offering a "driver's eye view" of the tracks as they wind through Greater Vancouver. In 2026, while the system is monitored by SkyTrain Attendants who roam the cars for safety and fare checks, the actual navigation, braking, and station stops are entirely controlled by a computer network, making it a global benchmark for efficient, high-capacity automated urban transit.

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SkyTrain has 79.6 km (49.5 mi) of track and uses fully automated trains on grade-separated tracks running on underground and elevated guideways, allowing SkyTrain to hold consistently high on-time reliability.

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One of the most recognizable parts of Vancouver, seen all over the city and metro area, is the SkyTrain. Built-in the mid-80s and unveiled for Expo 86, originally, it was the world's longest automated (that is, driverless) rail transit system for decades, and it's still one of the longest.

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There are permanent magnets in both the rail and the arm that surrounds the train, causing the arm and the train to repel each other and suspend the train.

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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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Why don't we have driverless trains in UK? As I made clear to the Assembly last year, the London Underground system is an extremely complex environment, in particular, the deep tube lines. For reasons of safety, they are not suitable for driverless trains and there are no plans for their introduction.

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SkyTrain has 79.6 km (49.5 mi) of track and uses fully automated trains on grade-separated tracks running on underground and elevated guideways, allowing SkyTrain to hold consistently high on-time reliability.

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All train movements are controlled from the Operations and Maintenance Centre at Burnaby. The unmanned trains operate under an automatic, computerized train-control SELTRAC system supplied by SEL. This system was originally developed in Germany for both rapid-transit and trunk railway systems.

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The SkyTrains are automated and driverless. In theory, they are the perfect fit for a 24/7 service transit system. But, some parts of its infrastructure are 40 years old and require daily maintenance, most of which is done at night.

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All trains are fully automated and driverless, and, together with stations, are air conditioned with platform edge doors. Architecture firm Aedas designed the metro's 45 stations, two depots and operational control centers.

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At 402 kilometres in length, the London Underground is also the world's second-longest metro system while 434 kilometres Shanghai Metro in China is the longest to date.

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Officials said there were currently no plans to operate the locomotives sans drivers on the London Underground, and that the trials are simply a 'futureproofing' exercise. A switch to automated trains would require huge changes to the tube's infrastructure, including new computerised signals.

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HS2 passengers will travel in the first driverless trains on a British cross-country mainline under specifications given to manufacturers by ministers, The Telegraph can disclose.

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