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Appalling state of the monorail cabins
- Thread starter ptaylor
- Start date
s8film40
Well-Known Member
Not really the same as Magic Band. However in a fully automated system they could put scanners at the monorail entrances to count the number of Magic Bands (guests) and feed this into the automation system so that it could make adjustments based on guest flow.
The situation you have just described, bunching, is a very common problem across all forms of public transport. It's made worse at WDW by the fact that the lines are circles and not linear, so they problems compound over the time. Other public transit operators actively avoid circles for line management purposes, so trains can wait at the terminus to get back on schedule. London's circle line was converted to a loop with a spur for this reason.
It will be important for train crews to have a good idea of what their target time is, possibly in the form of real-time information, and that they are empowered to close the doors in order to meet it. In your scenario, this might mean closing the doors early, so that by the time the group arrives the train is departing, and the next one is on it's way. Should something delay a train though, the software should smooth the delay out over time by reducing the dwell time goals for the delayed train, and delaying the other trains to reduce bunching.
It's a NGE for the monorail in the sense that it's a massive technological improvement, that guests might not readily see the benefit from.
ford91exploder
Resident Curmudgeon
Only if the SYSTEM is maintained, There is a reason why most 'fully' automated train systems are maintained to the point of OCD, If something goes wrong even something as minor as a breaker tripping there is NO ONE TO FIX IT and the passengers are going to be stuck for hours until a tech comes along and repairs the train.
I'm not seeing how Disney's maintenance culture and fully automated systems promise 'good things' will happen, Rather the opposite.
Figment2005
Well-Known Member
The new system is not intended to be fully automated. A pilot will always be present.
s8film40
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately. While I will miss having manually driven trains, I think a fully automated system would be ideal. Also not sure you can really call the person who will sit there while the train drives itself around a pilot anymore.
Figment2005
Well-Known Member
The pilot will still take trains through switches and in/out of shop. So, yes, they are still piloting the train.
s8film40
Well-Known Member
Yes, I'm aware of that, but that accounts for a very small percentage of the time. I've known pilots who have gone months without taking a train to or from shop, especially those who work mid shifts.
And this surprises me, because Thales is installing SelTrac in Ottawa, Canada, but the only automation will be in the yard where trains will switch and park themselves. On the track itself, there will be a low level of automation. When there are no passengers present, there is much less reason to have an employee in the train.
s8film40
Well-Known Member
It's ultimately the clients decision how much and in what way they want automation in the case Disney has decided they want drivers taking trains in/out of service but not routine driving. If you've seen the Las Vegas system then you've seen how good of a job Thales can do with a FULLY automated system. I especially like their ability to remote drive the trains manually, no drivers in any of the trains at all that way.
It's absolutely the client's decision, but when you consider the circumstances behind the incident that is driving this upgrade, it seems unusual. I guess it will be more of a train protection system into and out of the shop/switches, so that the system won't be overridden, rather it will work with the pilot to ensure they operate safely.
I can't say I have ridden the LV monorail, but I have been on a number of other SelTrac equipped systems, including the first system that used it and most notably the London DLR. There are stories from the DLR where the train attendant managed to close the doors while standing outside the train, and then the train left without them!
NearTheEars
Well-Known Member
Had to look that one up. Not sure If I landed on the right definition or not.
Figment2005
Well-Known Member
From what I am understanding, the choice to keep a person in the cab is to keep it more personable for the guests. I happen to like the choice because it keeps cast members employed in the department.
MaryJaneP
Well-Known Member
Seems like an ideal opportunity for AA. Guests would have the illusion of a pilot. We would like to have our monorail driven by a wookie , R2D2, or C3PO. Lol
ABQ
Well-Known Member
s8film40
Well-Known Member
Yep, I'm sure it's annoying to the people at Thales knowing their client is making a stupid decision but they still have to provide them what they want.
s8film40
Well-Known Member
I don't think I understand how it's more personable unless they start letting guests ride in the front again. Keeping people employed in a completely meaningless job is not a good thing. The turnover is high enough no one would lose their job. I would imagine a lot of the good cast members will move on to something else. If I were working there I certainly would be choosing my new location right about now. Monorail pilots are going to become a joke once this change takes place. Like I said I think this is a good thing, keeping pilots just isn't that smart.
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
You must be a kind soul to show all you have to offer to strangers Mr. George!
