"Richard J." wrote in message
om...

Whenever the (timetabled) service interval is more than 4 minutes. They
can optionally drive manually if the intervals are between 2 and 4
minutes, but my impression is that few do so.

But there is no set time when they are required to manually operate their
trains to stay in practice, as is reportedly the case in Vienna?

More or less. Lines 1-9, 11-13 were converted to ATO (using existing
trains) between 1967 and 1979. Trains on lines 10, 3bis and 7bis are
driven manually.

Not all lines use rubber-tyred wheels either.

Line 14 is computer-controlled ATO, monitored remotely. There are no
drivers or other on-board staff at all.

Oh yes, I know. I've been on it a couple of times -- good speed between
Châtelet and Gare de Lyon.

What is the average speed on the Paris Metro anyway? It can't be very high.