Most of the EU Members have at least one metro system. However, only six of them operate automated metro systems (GoA4). The largest number of unmanned networks are located in France and Italy.
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The world's first automated, driverless train has been unveiled in Germany's Hamburg.
While full driverless autonomy is certainly technically possible, and is applied on various routes worldwide, it still accounts for only a tiny percentage of trains running today. New trains are still being designed and built with fully equipped driver cabins.
Driverless trains have been in operation on the Docklands Light Railway since it opened in 1987, though a train attendant is present to operate the doors and drive the train if needed.
China's first commercial driverless sky train begins trial run in Wuhan's hi-tech park. The Chinese city of Wuhan began testing a driverless sky train in its hi-tech park on May 9, 2023. The country's first commercial sky train is expected to open to the public later in the year.
The driverless Shinkansen tests have so far taken place on the northernmost section of the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, which is not used by commercial traffic. This 5km-long section runs from Niigata station to the stock depot at Higashi-Niigata.
The idea of driverless trains has been much debated. The Treasury even linked financial support for Transport for London to progress toward automation. New trains designed by Siemens and scheduled to be introduced from 2025 will have fully driverless capability.
While automated trains only comprise a relatively small fraction of the world's total transit systems, the percentage is growing as more urban and regional authorities realize the advantages. Driverless trains reduce the chance of human error while improving rail efficiency and safety.
Trains cannot collide with each other if they are not permitted to occupy the same section of track at the same time, so railway lines are divided into sections known as blocks. In normal circumstances, only one train is permitted in each block at a time. This principle forms the basis of most railway safety systems.
Do train drivers ever go home? Since both passenger and freight trains run long-distance routes and operate 24 hours per day, it may be common for train drivers to spend long periods away from home. Nighttime, weekend, holiday and overtime work may also be necessary.
Driverless operationInnovia Monorails are all fully automated and use a variety of train control technologies. However, the Riyadh and São Paulo monorails are both equipped with CITYFLO 650 communications-based train control.
1: Shanghai Maglev - 460 kph/286 mph (China)Based on German technology, the Maglev trains fly along an elevated track, the powerful magnets providing a super-smooth, friction-free ride.