Washington and Los Angeles push for driverless subway lines as safety debate intensifies

Washington, D.C., officials have moved forward with a plan that could see the Metro Red Line controlled entirely by computers, aiming for a possible 2033 start under a nearly $1 billion upgrade that adds protective barriers. In Los Angeles, an environmental review is under way for a new heavy-rail tunnel beneath the Santa Monica Mountains that would operate driverless trains with platform screen doors. Honolulu’s Skyline light-metro, now 19 miles in length, remains the only U.S. driverless system with a clean safety record since its launch.

Advocates such as Baruch Feigenbaum of the Reason Foundation argue automation will cut labor costs and bring U.S. transit up to international standards. Critics, including Transport Workers Union president John Samuelsen, warn of evacuation risks, recalling the 2009 Fort Totten collision that stalled earlier automation efforts. WMATA CEO Randy Clarke notes that even fully automated trains will still need staff for maintenance and emergencies. Researchers like David King stress that public confidence depends on flawless performance, leaving the technology’s future uncertain.