Why are there no automated trains?

It's Not a Lack of Technology That's Keeping Trains From Going Driverless. We have all the tech needed to make autonomous trains. The problem isn't technology. It's line of sight, and the massive distances trains need to identify and react to obstacles and bring a few hundred tons of steel and cargo to a stop safely.



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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.

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The first automated metro line in the European Union was launched in the French city of Lille in 1983. Initially, it consisted of 12 stations. Since that time, Lille Metro has been developed significantly. Now, it includes two fully automated lines with 60 stations.

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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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Here are some illustrative examples: One of the main difficulties lies in the complex interaction of the various subsystems when the train is running: monitoring the status of the railway track, the position of other trains and the physical integrity of the train, and determining the space required to brake safely.

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Robots taking over However, they will have a crucial role in recognising the train's route and providing functions such as stopping at a red light, stopping in danger of collision, stopping before a closed arrow, and high-precision locating of the locomotive. Of course, AI will be the game changer in this case.

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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.

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Automatic driverless metros have now begun passenger service on Paris Metro's Line 4, as work has been completed to digitise and automate the century-old line. More driverless shuttles will be introduced over time to achieve full automation by the end of 2023.

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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.

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Deutsche Bahn (DB), in partnership with Siemens Mobility, has developed the world's first fully automated driverless train in Germany.

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Most trains on the New York City Subway are manually operated. As of 2022, the system currently uses Automatic Block Signaling, with fixed wayside signals and automatic train stops. Many portions of the signaling system were installed between the 1930s and 1960s.

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All trains are fully automated and driverless, and, together with stations, are air conditioned with platform edge doors. Architecture firm Aedas designed the metro's 45 stations, two depots and operational control centers.

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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.

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