Automated Trains!

MUNI has just introduced a new 21st-century feature to its service: automated trains! Controlled by A Computer, which is probably hidden in the rafters somewhere in one of those dark rooms with lots of screens like in the movies, the new feature now affords the drivers the luxury of just sitting back and enjoying the ride along with he rest of us on the underground potion of the route (without the added fun of the sardine-can effect, a privilege which we get to PAY for.) Well, it’s all fun and games until the computer breaks, or gets unplugged, or has a system failure. On Friday I was on my way to work, already cutting it close because I just can’t seem to drag my ass out of bed on time, and phew! Along comes a train pretty quickly. We pass the first station, the second…going pretty slow, but that’s OK…the train then gets to the third station and stops. And sits there. For a long time. The driver makes an announcement that since he’s not controlling the train, he can’t open the doors or move forward. Then he kind of suggests that everyone should get out there, which I do and then walk the rest of the way to work and arrive a record 45 minutes late. I’m all for moving forward technology-wise, but how scary is it when you’re trapped in an underground tunnel and know that the only thing that can save you is a computer?