Union bosses have reacted with anger after a leaked document from London Underground (LU) appeared to reveal officials considering options for automated payment, driverless trains and other changes that could lead to job losses.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT), who leaked the document, said that it was "a blueprint for jobs and safety carnage".
However, most reactions to the document appeared to ignore the fact that three London Underground lines, not including the Docklands Light Railway, are already partly automated.
The document argued that 15 per cent of staff could be cut if new technology is implemented on the Tube, including 'wave and pay' systems that allow passengers to pay with wireless-enabled bank cards and mobile phones.
The report, called Operational Strategy Discussion Paper, said that most ticket stations will be "unnecessary" and that at most 30 could remain in operation staffed by "non-operational travel information specialists".
It also predicted that by 2017 up to 80 per cent of trains will have no drivers, manned only by 'train attendants'.
If the ideas were implemented it could result in the loss of 1,500 jobs, including 770 managers and station supervisors, which could save LU £18 billion, the report suggests.
"As the requirements of the role are automated, it is inefficient to continue to maintain the competence of train operators in activities which are not required in the role, resulting in excessive training and competence management. The train operator role should be refocused on the customer," reads the document, which was dated July and marked confidential.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, said: "This ill-conceived and finance-led document ignores reality in favour of austerity and would impact on every single staff member. It would leave passengers stranded in tunnels with no means of evacuation and would turn the platforms and stations into a muggers and vandals paradise."
LU insisted that the paper was merely intended to provoke "discussion", and said that it had not been adopted by senior management.
Three Tube lines in London are already partially or fully automated.
The Victoria Line has been automated since it opened in 1967. A member of staff is present to open and close the train doors, but does not usually drive the train. The Central Line is also automated except on Sundays, and the Jubilee Line is also partially automated.
The Northern Line is due to be switched to automated driving in 2012.
The Docklands Light Railway is fully automated, but again a member of staff is present to open doors and check tickets.