US lags on automated trains as Washington and Los Angeles push ahead
Proponents say the technology is long overdue, but critics point to safety concerns and the 2009 Fort Totten crash
Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles are advancing plans for driverless trains, aiming to catch up with cities in Europe, Asia and Australia that already run unattended subway systems. The projects face financial and technical hurdles and have reignited debate over safety and cost.