Automatons... Coming to a Train Near You

An article appeared in the Times this week about the new automatic trains, which will begin running on the L line. The goal: to have a fully automated train without the need for human beings to run them. Arguments that trains will run more efficiently which, in turn, results in more trains running and less time waiting in stations, are valid; however, the subway loses something in return.

What I will miss are the qualities that make the subway unique. No, I'm not talking about the scratchitti... I'm talking about the train conductors. Typically, trains have a driver at the front and a conductor in the middle car. The conductor's job is to close the doors on passengers and mutter the announcements. While I speak facetiously about the announcements, they paint a picture of New York, and we are in danger of losing this human aspect of mass transit. We're already losing the announcements on the new trains that have appeared on the 2 and 6 lines, which now have piped in, pre-recorded announcements from male and female automatons.

When I hear them, I am thankful that the announcements are far more audible than they are on the older trains. This is likely due more to the audio system rather than the person making the announcement. However, our personalized ride is being lost. As I ride the train day in and day out, I get used to the characters that I hear from those old speakers. My favorite was the Italian guy, with the broken Italianized English. This-a stop-a is-a ninety-six-a street. Or the woman with the comforting voice at 2 A.M. who reminded me of my aunt. Even the south asian guy, with his Indian-sounding accent, was a pleasure to listen to and ponder his story of coming to this country.

While I may wait less in the overheated stations for a train, I'll be sad when the cast of characters disappears.