Officials will test equipment maintenance, communications and emergency response measures.

    "The automated technology will be beneficial as it can be applied to other means of transport in the future," said Yin Wei, an official of Shanghai Metro Operation Company. "It can also be used in other cities."

    But the tests are still a long way off. The company plans to select a future metro line to conduct the trials within the next five years.

    There are more than 100 metro trains running along five lines in Shanghai. There is one driver for each train. Each train has three to five back-up drivers.

    Subway operators are mostly there to open and close train doors, monitor the equipment and handle emergencies.

    Some transport experts said that the system will cause potential risks to passengers.

    They said the technology doesn't suit Shanghai's metro system because someone needs to pay attention to the safety of commuters.

    During rush hours, metro trains at downtown stations such as People's Square are so crowded that people push and shove to get on and off subway cars.

    Women, children and seniors have complained that they can't use the metro during rush hours due to the crowds.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily)