An automated manipulation system is provided for manipulating one or more vehicles in a transit system. The automated manipulation system includes a vehicle control mechanism in communication with a vehicle for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the operation of the vehicle. The system also includes a central control mechanism in wireless communication with the vehicle control mechanism for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the vehicle control mechanism and thereby initiating a manipulation operation in the vehicle. The manipulation operation is one of: adding a vehicle to the system; removing a vehicle from the system; coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and uncoupling a first vehicle from a second vehicle. A method of automatically manipulating at least one vehicle in a transit system is also provided.