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eMoney News

London Underground 'could have driverless trains in 2015'
9 Nov 2011

Users of the London Underground transit system could be travelling on driverless trains by as early as 2015, it has been reported.

Plans to introduce automatic vehicles were brought to the public's attention last month after a leaked document from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union outlined blueprints.

However, the London Evening Standard now claims that it has seen a document headed Introduction to Deep Tube Programme, which states that trials of driverless tubes could begin in just three years' time.

It is thought that Hammersmith & City line trials would begin first, followed by trials on the Bakerloo line.

The plans would provide "an opportunity to transform London Underground operation enabled by technology", the newspaper quotes the document as saying.

More contactless smart card technology is also likely to be implemented, as all but 30 of the current ticket offices would be close under the proposals.

From last month, more people on London's transit system were able to use an Oyster card after more top-up locations were added to the system, Elmbridge Today reported.