How much of the fact that Yamanote being a loop track helps making the train go autonomous? Is it difficult for non-loopers to go fully autonomous like this?
Also, are there more info on how going autonomous decreases fatality? I'm assuming suicide since it's the biggest issue relating to collusion (although I don't have data to back up!)
The fact that yamanote is a loop line makes it even harder to automate. As new rolling stock has to be brought in and out to the loop from an outside line, it's tougher than train lines with final stops (where rolling stock depos and maintenance areas usual are located).
Best way to reduce suicides on trains are grade separation and platform screen doors. As train tracks have so little friction (which is the reason why the consume around 10% of the energy of cars or trucks), it is very hard to stop a train quickly, automated or not. Therefore, if someone can get on the train tracks easily, their life will likely end even if the trains are autonomous :(
Thank you for the answer! Very interesting.. so would you say that JR decided to do the difficult line in order to provide a 24h service? (Btw 24h Yamanote line will very much increase the nomikai economic activity among Japanese salary men, thank god I am not one of them!)
Yeah I agree on the suicide prevention method. I mean people will jump in to a fast moving train so it seems it doesn't matter if its automated or not. JR should put the wall in all stations!
Honestly, looking at the press statement, it seems to be mostly because they can't find enough accredited train drivers and because there's not much else they can do to improve the line.
Maintenance will likely force the line to still be closed part of the night, which sucks when even New York's shitty subway can run 24h...
How much of the fact that Yamanote being a loop track helps making the train go autonomous? Is it difficult for non-loopers to go fully autonomous like this?
Also, are there more info on how going autonomous decreases fatality? I'm assuming suicide since it's the biggest issue relating to collusion (although I don't have data to back up!)
The fact that yamanote is a loop line makes it even harder to automate. As new rolling stock has to be brought in and out to the loop from an outside line, it's tougher than train lines with final stops (where rolling stock depos and maintenance areas usual are located).
Best way to reduce suicides on trains are grade separation and platform screen doors. As train tracks have so little friction (which is the reason why the consume around 10% of the energy of cars or trucks), it is very hard to stop a train quickly, automated or not. Therefore, if someone can get on the train tracks easily, their life will likely end even if the trains are autonomous :(
Thank you for the answer! Very interesting.. so would you say that JR decided to do the difficult line in order to provide a 24h service? (Btw 24h Yamanote line will very much increase the nomikai economic activity among Japanese salary men, thank god I am not one of them!)
Yeah I agree on the suicide prevention method. I mean people will jump in to a fast moving train so it seems it doesn't matter if its automated or not. JR should put the wall in all stations!
Honestly, looking at the press statement, it seems to be mostly because they can't find enough accredited train drivers and because there's not much else they can do to improve the line.
Maintenance will likely force the line to still be closed part of the night, which sucks when even New York's shitty subway can run 24h...