From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

From https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/06/tube-drivers-pay-attention-after-pensioner-crushed-to-death/

Drivers of automated Tube trains were warned to pay rCLclose attentionrCY to the tracks after a pensioner was killed.

Brian Mitchell, 72, was hit and crushed seven times by four trains as
operators did not see him on the tracks.

The pensioner from Edinburgh was struck as three of the Jubilee Line trains that hit him subsequently reversed over his body after failing to spot him.

East London coroner Graeme Irvine issued a warning to Sir Sadiq Khan, the
Mayor of London, saying that automated train operators are not paying
enough attention to the tracks.

The coroner said that an rCLattentiverCY train operator would have spotted Mr Mitchell, and that his death could have been avoided.

Three operators failed to notice man on tracks

In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, Mr Irvine said: rCLJubilee Line
trains use Automatic Train Operation (ATO). This means that train operators (TOs) do not drive the train. Acceleration and braking are automated.

rCLThe expectation of TOs is that they pay close attention to the train and
the tracks before them and override the ATO system and apply brakes if they observe an object on the tracks.

rCLIn this case, at least three separate TOs failed to notice a man before
them on the tracks or to override the automatic system.rCY

A previous inquest heard Mr Mitchell got off a Jubilee train at Stratford underground station and sat down on a bench on platform 13 on Boxing Day in 2023.

An hour later, he was seen on CCTV standing up and rCLlurchingrCY towards the edge of the platform, where he fell onto the train tracks.

Mr Mitchell was stranded on the tracks for five and a half minutes before
an approaching train failed to stop and hit him.

The train operator arriving at the platform did not notice Mr Mitchell on
the tracks, and the automatic train approaching struck him down.

Mr Mitchell went unnoticed even after the impact, and the train reversed
back out of the station over him.

Three more trains entered and left the station, driving over Mr Mitchell, despite a member of staff trying to stop the last train as it entered the platform.

Mr Mitchell was declared dead by paramedics at Stratford station, having sustained traumatic injuries.

Mr Irvine said: rCLThe court heard that the initial collision with Brian was likely to have been avoidable. The track layout would have allowed BrianrCOs presence to have been noticed by an attentive TO.

rCLAdditionally, it was asserted that a TO would have had sufficient time to react and bring the train to a stop many metres before BrianrCOs location.

rCLThe court heard that these omissions may have resulted from the fact that platform 13 is a terminus platform, which could result in a lowered level
of attention on the part of TOs.rCY

The inquest into Mr MitchellrCOs death noted that he was intoxicated with alcohol when the incident took place.

Mr Irvine said he believed there was a risk of future deaths if action was
not taken to make the automatic train operation safer.

He said there needed to be measures to detect and alert staff to the
presence of people on the tracks, as well as training for drivers to teach
them how to concentrate on the tracks while they operate automatic trains.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:

From https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/06/tube-drivers-pay-attention-after-pensioner-crushed-to-death/

Drivers of automated Tube trains were warned to pay rCLclose attentionrCY to the tracks after a pensioner was killed.

Brian Mitchell, 72, was hit and crushed seven times by four trains as operators did not see him on the tracks.

rCLThe expectation of TOs is that they pay close attention to the train and the tracks before them and override the ATO system and apply brakes if they observe an object on the tracks.

Mr Irvine said he believed there was a risk of future deaths if action was not taken to make the automatic train operation safer.

He said there needed to be measures to detect and alert staff to the
presence of people on the tracks, as well as training for drivers to teach them how to concentrate on the tracks while they operate automatic trains.

Weakens the Union Case that a Driver/Train operator has to be present in a
cab if such a thing can occur , full unattended operation with the
appropriate obstacle detection systems in place would not suffer from Human failings. Such systems if they are not sufficiently developed already cannot be far off even if it has to be acquired from the developments occurring for driverless cars.
Actually thinking as I write isnrCOt it one of the difficulties facing the operation of the Heritage Trams in Blackpool as the modern fleet is being fitted with such a system to minimise risk to pedestrians and fitting it to
the old vehicles presents a challenge. Glasgow hopes to run its new subway stock without any staff on board eventually , would have thought that would have such a system. While there are no open tracks its narrow platforms
must present similar risks though like Londons actual tube stations I
believe there are pits. Stratford Jubilee being on the surface does not. There would also the cost and practicality of fitting such a system to
stock now 30 years old so anything like it may have to wait until it is replaced.

GH
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From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On 6 Jan 2026 15:20:56 GMT, Marland <gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk> wrote:

Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:

From
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/06/tube-drivers-pay-attention-after-pensioner-crushed-to-death/

Drivers of automated Tube trains were warned to pay rCLclose attentionrCY to >> the tracks after a pensioner was killed.

Brian Mitchell, 72, was hit and crushed seven times by four trains as
operators did not see him on the tracks.

rCLThe expectation of TOs is that they pay close attention to the train and >> the tracks before them and override the ATO system and apply brakes if they >> observe an object on the tracks.

Mr Irvine said he believed there was a risk of future deaths if action was >> not taken to make the automatic train operation safer.

He said there needed to be measures to detect and alert staff to the
presence of people on the tracks, as well as training for drivers to teach >> them how to concentrate on the tracks while they operate automatic trains. >>

Weakens the Union Case that a Driver/Train operator has to be present in a >cab if such a thing can occur , full unattended operation with the >appropriate obstacle detection systems in place would not suffer from Human >failings. Such systems if they are not sufficiently developed already >cannot be far off even if it has to be acquired from the developments >occurring for driverless cars.

The DLR has always operated without drivers, and still doesn't have obstacle detection, even in the latest fleet. No
PEDs, either.

Actually thinking as I write isnrCOt it one of the difficulties facing the >operation of the Heritage Trams in Blackpool as the modern fleet is being >fitted with such a system to minimise risk to pedestrians and fitting it to >the old vehicles presents a challenge. Glasgow hopes to run its new subway >stock without any staff on board eventually , would have thought that would >have such a system.

It's due to happen in the second half of this year, after PEDs (PSDs in the local terminology) have been fitted.

https://www.facebook.com/glasgowsubway/posts/you-may-have-noticed-that-installation-of-the-platform-screen-doors-has-begun-at/1306415518188132/

While there are no open tracks its narrow platforms
must present similar risks though like Londons actual tube stations I
believe there are pits. Stratford Jubilee being on the surface does not. >There would also the cost and practicality of fitting such a system to
stock now 30 years old so anything like it may have to wait until it is >replaced.

It might be done with obstacle detection sensors in the station, rather than on the trains.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On 6 Jan 2026 15:20:56 GMT
Marland <gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk> gabbled:

Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:

He said there needed to be measures to detect and alert staff to the
presence of people on the tracks, as well as training for drivers to teach >> them how to concentrate on the tracks while they operate automatic trains. >>

Weakens the Union Case that a Driver/Train operator has to be present in a >cab if such a thing can occur , full unattended operation with the >appropriate obstacle detection systems in place would not suffer from Human

The union case simply exist so these clowns can continue to collect their knocking-on 80K salary for basically doing fuck all most of the day.

failings. Such systems if they are not sufficiently developed already >cannot be far off even if it has to be acquired from the developments >occurring for driverless cars.

Inattention when operating a car in self drive mode has already caused a
number of deaths. All Teslas IIRC.


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:46:38 +0000
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

On 6 Jan 2026 15:20:56 GMT, Marland <gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk> wrote: >>Actually thinking as I write isnrCOt it one of the difficulties facing the >>operation of the Heritage Trams in Blackpool as the modern fleet is being >>fitted with such a system to minimise risk to pedestrians and fitting it to >>the old vehicles presents a challenge. Glasgow hopes to run its new subway >>stock without any staff on board eventually , would have thought that would >>have such a system.

It's due to happen in the second half of this year, after PEDs (PSDs in the >local terminology) have been fitted.

https://www.facebook.com/glasgowsubway/posts/you-may-have-noticed-that-installa
tion-of-the-platform-screen-doors-has-begun-at/1306415518188132/

Wow, could they have found a chunkier and uglier setup? Hideous.


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On 6 Jan 2026 15:20:56 GMT
Marland <gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk> gabbled:

Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:

He said there needed to be measures to detect and alert staff to the
presence of people on the tracks, as well as training for drivers to teach >>> them how to concentrate on the tracks while they operate automatic trains. >>>

Weakens the Union Case that a Driver/Train operator has to be present in a >> cab if such a thing can occur , full unattended operation with the
appropriate obstacle detection systems in place would not suffer from Human

The union case simply exist so these clowns can continue to collect their knocking-on 80K salary for basically doing fuck all most of the day.

failings. Such systems if they are not sufficiently developed already
cannot be far off even if it has to be acquired from the developments
occurring for driverless cars.

Inattention when operating a car in self drive mode has already caused a number of deaths. All Teslas IIRC.

Teslas get the publicity, thanks to MuskrCOs exaggerated claims about the dishonestly named FSD feature. But theyrCOre not the only ones:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54175359

https://www.thinkchina.sg/technology/three-students-killed-ev-crash-are-chinas-self-driving-cars-safe-enough
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:44:16 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

Inattention when operating a car in self drive mode has already caused a
number of deaths. All Teslas IIRC.

Teslas get the publicity, thanks to MuskrCOs exaggerated claims about the >dishonestly named FSD feature. But theyrCOre not the only ones:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54175359

https://www.thinkchina.sg/technology/three-students-killed-ev-crash-are-chinas-
self-driving-cars-safe-enough

Sad but not unexpected. Clearly the driver wasn't paying attention at all.

My car has a lane follow mode - doesn't do any clever stuff like pull out
and overtake - but I don't trust it at all. On a few occasions when the line has almost disappeared it just beeped at me and gave up and another time when it drifted onto the lane seperator which ended up with me concentrating on minor details of the road (rather than the big picture) more when it was driving than when I was which was more tiring than just driving the car myself.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:44:16 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

Inattention when operating a car in self drive mode has already caused a >>> number of deaths. All Teslas IIRC.

Teslas get the publicity, thanks to MuskrCOs exaggerated claims about the
dishonestly named FSD feature. But theyrCOre not the only ones:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54175359


https://www.thinkchina.sg/technology/three-students-killed-ev-crash-are-chinas-
self-driving-cars-safe-enough

Sad but not unexpected. Clearly the driver wasn't paying attention at all.

My car has a lane follow mode - doesn't do any clever stuff like pull out
and overtake - but I don't trust it at all. On a few occasions when the line has almost disappeared it just beeped at me and gave up and another time when it drifted onto the lane seperator which ended up with me concentrating on minor details of the road (rather than the big picture) more when it was driving than when I was which was more tiring than just driving the car myself.

I came across this report:

Tesla faces additional scrutiny on potential FSD defects
Jan. 16, 2026 7:23 AM

Tesla (TSLA) was granted a five-week extension to respond to a defect investigation into 8,313 potential traffic violations involving its Full Self-Driving system. The review is expected to take weeks as the company analyzes the episodes in detail.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened this probe in
October after receiving dozens of reports that Teslas using FSD ran red
lights, drove in the wrong direction, or otherwise failed to comply with traffic laws, part of a broader investigation covering nearly 2.9 million vehicles equipped with FSD (including FSD Beta and FSD Supervised).
Regulators have tallied at least 58 reports of traffic-safety issues linked
to FSD, including about 14 crashes and 23 injuries, with documented
incidents where cars allegedly proceeded through red signals into intersections, made lane changes into oncoming traffic, crossed
double-yellow lines, or attempted turns from the wrong lanes.

The current investigation builds on earlier NHTSA scrutiny of TeslarCOs automated driving features and could eventually lead to a recall if
regulators conclude that the software creates an unreasonable safety risk.
The investigation could also impact how Tesla's (TSLA) robotaxi trials in Austin and other U.S. cities progress.

Separately, California has accused Tesla (TSLA) of overstating FSD
capabilities and threatened a 30-day sales suspension.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:43:21 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

My car has a lane follow mode - doesn't do any clever stuff like pull out
and overtake - but I don't trust it at all. On a few occasions when the line >> has almost disappeared it just beeped at me and gave up and another time when

it drifted onto the lane seperator which ended up with me concentrating on >> minor details of the road (rather than the big picture) more when it was
driving than when I was which was more tiring than just driving the car >myself.

I came across this report:

Tesla faces additional scrutiny on potential FSD defects
Jan. 16, 2026 7:23 AM

Tesla (TSLA) was granted a five-week extension to respond to a defect >investigation into 8,313 potential traffic violations involving its Full

Ouch. Not surprised though.

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and really improve it.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:43:21 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

My car has a lane follow mode - doesn't do any clever stuff like pull out >>> and overtake - but I don't trust it at all. On a few occasions when the line
has almost disappeared it just beeped at me and gave up and another time when

it drifted onto the lane seperator which ended up with me concentrating on >>> minor details of the road (rather than the big picture) more when it was >>> driving than when I was which was more tiring than just driving the car

myself.

I came across this report:

Tesla faces additional scrutiny on potential FSD defects
Jan. 16, 2026 7:23 AM

Tesla (TSLA) was granted a five-week extension to respond to a defect
investigation into 8,313 potential traffic violations involving its Full

Ouch. Not surprised though.

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs
a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock would probably collapse if Tesla was just regarded as a fading EV maker
with a stale model line-up thatrCOs struggling to get its self-driving to
work properly.

In reality, Musk seems to have lost interest in EVs, and herCOs probably getting bored with FSD by now, having been making unsupportable claims of imminent true, genuine, full self-driving for at least eight years now.
Now, herCOs apparently mainly interested in AI, and space travel.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:59:13 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered >> off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they >> could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and >> really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only >supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs >a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock

If he is a genius its for a knack of spotting an opportunity and smooching investors.

would probably collapse if Tesla was just regarded as a fading EV maker
with a stale model line-up thatrCOs struggling to get its self-driving to >work properly.

True.

In reality, Musk seems to have lost interest in EVs, and herCOs probably >getting bored with FSD by now, having been making unsupportable claims of

Tesla sacked the entire supercharger development team so god knows whats
going on in there. Perhaps at some point they'll just cash in and close
the business down.

imminent true, genuine, full self-driving for at least eight years now.
Now, herCOs apparently mainly interested in AI, and space travel.

Once he finally realises that living on Mars isn't even close to being physically or biologically possibly with current or any near future technology he'll probably get bored with that too.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:35:15 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:59:13 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered >>> off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they >>> could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and >>> really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only >>supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs >>a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock

If he is a genius its for a knack of spotting an opportunity and smooching >investors.

would probably collapse if Tesla was just regarded as a fading EV maker >>with a stale model line-up thatrCOs struggling to get its self-driving to >>work properly.

True.

In reality, Musk seems to have lost interest in EVs, and herCOs probably >>getting bored with FSD by now, having been making unsupportable claims of

Tesla sacked the entire supercharger development team so god knows whats >going on in there. Perhaps at some point they'll just cash in and close
the business down.

He has a reputation of extreme hire and fire, even firing top quality, loyal, senior staff if they won't do what he
wants. In that case, I think he wanted to significantly reduce staffing in the division (as he thought it was no longer
a high priority area for investment), but the head of the division resisted, so he fired them and all the staff.

He reckons he can quickly replace fired teams with leaner, meaner substitutes. He reckons existing teams get complacent
and inefficient, possibly continuing with tasks that are no longer needed. A new team with start with a zero-base
approach, only bothering to undertake the most essential tasks.

Tesla cars have the same philosophy, using the smallest possible number of components. It shows in the sparse interior,
and minimal physical controls. He's even tried to get rid of the indicator stalks, but had to reluctantly reintroduce
them.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:59:13 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered >>> off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they >>> could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and >>> really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only
supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs >> a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock

If he is a genius its for a knack of spotting an opportunity and smooching investors.

More smoke and mirrors (but no LIDAR) from Musk to drive the stock price
up:

https://electrek.co/2026/01/22/tesla-didnt-remove-the-robotaxi-safety-monitor-it-just-moved-them-to-a-trailing-car/

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:54:35 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:59:13 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered

off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they

could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and

really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only >>> supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs

a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock >>

If he is a genius its for a knack of spotting an opportunity and smooching >> investors.

More smoke and mirrors (but no LIDAR) from Musk to drive the stock price
up:

https://electrek.co/2026/01/22/tesla-didnt-remove-the-robotaxi-safety-monitor-i
t-just-moved-them-to-a-trailing-car/

More BS from the worlds best BS merchant.

I wonder how reliable the radio controlled kill switch is compared to one
hard wired into the cars systems? I certainly wouldn't want to be riding in
the taxi.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:54:35 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:59:13 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:

I'm of the opinion that Tesla would probably do better now if Musk buggered

off, sold his share and left it to industry professionals to run. Then they

could ditch his silly no-radar/ultrasound rules for the FSD for a start and

really improve it.

I agree, but it appears that TeslarCOs stratospheric stock price is only >>>> supported by his continued involvement. Lots of naive investors think herCOs

a genius who will invent a solution to all problems. The value of the stock

If he is a genius its for a knack of spotting an opportunity and smooching >>> investors.

More smoke and mirrors (but no LIDAR) from Musk to drive the stock price
up:

https://electrek.co/2026/01/22/tesla-didnt-remove-the-robotaxi-safety-monitor-i
t-just-moved-them-to-a-trailing-car/

More BS from the worlds best BS merchant.

I wonder how reliable the radio controlled kill switch is compared to one hard wired into the cars systems? I certainly wouldn't want to be riding in the taxi.

I donrCOt think itrCOs a public service. From what IrCOve read, only employees can use it, and I wouldnrCOt be surprised if they donrCOt also have access to a kill switch. Also, by not being a public service, they can withdraw it when conditions arenrCOt safe (heavy rain, setting sun, etc), and limit the
routes.

Basically, Musk is telling his investors that herCOs finally delivered a robotaxi with FSD when he hasnrCOt.

Another amusing con is the Vegas Loop which uses single car tunnelled roads
to connect eight stations. You get to ride in Teslas, and given the simple, segregated topography, yourCOd expect that theyrCOd be self-driving, but theyrCOre not!

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.transport.london

On Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:11:47 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:

Another amusing con is the Vegas Loop which uses single car tunnelled roads >to connect eight stations. You get to ride in Teslas, and given the simple, >segregated topography, yourCOd expect that theyrCOd be self-driving, but >theyrCOre not!

I read about that, god knows what he was smoking when he came up with that idea. Hopefully when he's got bored with it they'll find a proper use for
those tunnels, maybe the start of a metro system.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2