It could be like the DLR in London - where the trains are automatic but can be overridden and driven manually in emergencies.
Many ticket collectors are trained as drivers (but no doubt only paid as ticket collectors). The front passenger seats of the train have a cupboard in front of them which the ticket collectors can unlock to reveal the controls.
Maybe it's the new Ryanair model? Downgrade the pilots to senior cabin attendant(emergency pilot) grade, put the controls in a lockable cupboard and give the front row passengers a fabulous view.
Still, it may not be all bad - the DLR ticket collectors get bored and drive the trains manually all the time, especially outside office hours when the bosses aren't looking.
[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: foghorn ]