Beijing subway to use driverless train

A subway line in southwest Beijing is to become the country's first to operate driverless trains, the Beijing Times reported.

The new train, set to launch in May next year, will accommodate 1,000 passengers and run at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

Most of the 17 metro lines in Beijing are already capable of running unmanned trains, but drivers are at the wheel to handle emergencies.

The operator will decide whether to use drivers on the new trains.