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Credit: RATP/Siemens

AUTOMATED METROS
SUPPLEMENT

Metro automation:
a proven and
scalable solution

Miryam Hernndez

Manager Metro Division, UITP

The UITP Observatory of Automated Metros recently released the 2013 edition of its Atlas of automated metros
a detailed overview of the metro automation landscape and an analysis of future trends. This article presents
a selection of the Atlas data, with a focus on technical trends.
In September 2013, when the new Atlas of

Everline (Yongin) and two in Italy Milan Line 5

mostly low capacity trains (<300 passengers) in

Automated Metros was published, there were

and Brescia Line 1.

the pioneering lines to the recent incorporation

674km of automated metro in operation,

Europe and Asia are the continents with

of high capacity trains (>700 passengers).

in 48 lines that together served 700 stations in

the largest number of kilometres of automated

Currently, about half of lines run mid-capacity

32 cities.

lines. However, automation is present world-

trains (300-700 passengers).

These figures are for Unattended Train

wide. While France leads at country level, it is

The last five years show a clear increase in

Operation (UTO) systems that provide a public

significant to note that the three longest

mid-capacity trains, whereas small and high

transport service and have a minimum capacity

automated networks Dubai, Vancouver and

capacity trains follow a slower, but parallel

of 100 passengers per train2. There are also lines

Singapore are not in Europe. The four top

progression, demonstrating that UTO continues

that were designed as UTO lines but which

countries in number of kilometres belong to four

to be employed to respond to very different

currently do not operate as such, and are

different continents. Behind France, we find

mobility needs.

therefore not included in the Atlas.

Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Canada.

In the 12 months before the publication of

It is worth noting that one of the main

advantages of a UTO line is its capacity to offer

the report, four new lines joined the UTO club.

Train capacity

increased frequencies. This allows the use of

Two in South Korea U Line (in Uijeongbu) and

There has been a significant evolution from

smaller trains running at higher frequencies,

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Credit: The Observatory of Automated Metros (UITP)

AUTOMATED METROS
SUPPLEMENT

Figure 1 Cities with automated metro lines (in 2013)

instead of larger trains at longer headways. For

Dubais 52km-long Red Line has 27 stations, while

operation, the Observatory foresees a future

passengers, this translates to a better level of

Lilles Line 2 is 31km-long and has 44 stations.

increase in the share of elevated lines.

service for the same capacity.

A lines constructive model has a significant

Line length and number of stations

A more detailed analysis at line level illustrates

impact in many factors; in the case of UTO, it is

Europe and Asia are the continents

with the largest number of kilometres
of automated lines

particularly relevant to consider passenger

evacuation procedures, especially in tunnels.

the wide range of situations and solutions

Signalling and track protection

covered by automated lines; be it in length, in

Constructive models

For signalling, inductive loop remains, in

Some of the longest metro lines in the world

This diversity of line typology is confirmed by

absolute terms, the leading technology in the

are actually automated, contradicting a past

the remarkably even significance of under -

last five years (considering the number of new

assumption that automation was best suited

ground and elevated stations; although the

kilometres in operation). However, analysis of

for short lines. Lines range from 52km (the

number of exclusively underground lines

the Observatory data for new projects not yet in

Dubai Red Line) to 3.5km (the Hong Kong

is low, compared to that of fully elevated or

operation shows a predominant trend for the

Disney Resort Line). The average sits at 15km

mixed lines.

use of free propagation radio-based CBTC

number or density of stations.

a common value for conventional metro lines,

In terms of constructive models, an analysis

systems in the near future.

of the trend confirms the current picture, with

Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) appear clearly

The longest lines are not necessarily the ones

practically equal growth levels on both elevated

as the predominant trend for track protection,

with the largest number of stations. For example,

and underground kilometres. However, con-

leaving ground for a reflection on the opportunity

sidering information for projects not yet in

for other detection technologies, considering the

particularly underground.

costs of PSDs and the growing market.

Credit: The Observatory of Automated Metros (UITP)

Credit: The Observatory of Automated Metros (UITP)

Conversions
Whereas current data depict a very low
number of cases of conversions (Nuremberg in
2009 and Paris in 2012), the success of these
complex projects has demonstrated the
viability of this option, opening the ground for
new conversions. The Observatorys data

Figure 2 Growth curve and comparative growth

rate for kilometres of UTO systems in the world

Figure 3 Exponential growth rate to

previous decade

for future projects point to strong growth in the

years to come.

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Credit: The Observatory of Automated Metros (UITP)

AUTOMATED METROS
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Figure 4 The projected 2025 map of UTO lines

Growth rate to triple in next 10 years

automated lines. It is also significant to note

It should be underlined that all the advantages

The Observatory of Automated Metros gathers

that Australia will also join the UTO map.

offered by an automated line can be reaped

information on all new UTO projects, as well as

The 2025 map of automated metro lines (see

only if a project is approached in a holistic way.

extensions for current lines in operation,

Figure 4) clearly illustrates the global trend for

It would be a mistake to approach a UTO project

allowing it to offer a projection for growth in the

automation and the dynamism of the sector.

only from the technological angle. Other key

number of kilometres for UTO systems in

aspects have to be taken into consideration,

the coming years.

The Observatory data for new projects
highlight a trend for exponential growth in metro
automation: in the next 10 years, the growth rate

such as organisation and, of course, customer

Some of the longest metro lines in the

world are actually automated, contradicting
a past assumption that automation was
best suited for short lines

orientation. This can be summarised by saying

that UTO requires a redefinition of the
organisation model.

for kilometres of fully automated lines is

Reference

expected to triple that of the current decade,

reaching over 1,800km by 2025.

Conclusions

1.

www.metroautomation.org

2.

The Atlas criteria, as defined by the Observatory of

Automated Metros.

Data shows that each decade doubles at

The Observatory data presented in the Atlas of

least the growth rate in the previous one. In the

Automated Metros demonstrates that auto-

future, this will increase, reaching 3.5 times

mated lines are:

the current growth rate.

A proven solution 30 years of experience

from the implementation of the first lines,

Growth in all continents

with Europe leading

and with applications all over the world

It is relevant to note that, geographically,

is employed for very diverse lines in terms of

between 2014 and 2025, Europe will lead in

terms of growth. Asia and the Middle East will

A scalable solution data confirms that UTO

length or train capacity

An adaptable solution their implementa-

consolidate their strong presence in the UTO

tion in cities with very different mobility

world, while South America, following the

needs and demographic contexts demon-

success of So Paulo, will continue to deploy

strate their adaptability.

The UITP Observatory of Automated Metros

The Observatory of Automated Metros is a UITP body composed of leading worldwide operators in this sector.
In the context of global growth of UTO lines, the Observatory aims to be a reference body favouring the
exchange of experience and dissemination of information on the advantages and applications of metro
automation. It does this through the organisation of a regular seminar, through participation in conferences and
through various publications.
The Observatorys website1 includes information on its work, on the Atlas and a regularly updated world
map of UTO systems.

Eurotransport
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2014

32

Further Reading
Miryam Hernndez is a previous author for
Eurotransport, providing the article titled
Metro Automation: A leap ahead in Issue 2 2013.
To receive a back-issue copy of the magazine,
please contact Karen Hutchinson via email
at [email protected] or call
+44 (0) 1959 563 311.

Miryam Hernndez joined the

International Association for
Public Transport in 2006 and
is responsible for all metro
activities within the Association,
coordinating members work
on the Metropolitan Railways Committee and Division, its five
Technical Subcommittees and the Observatory
of Automated Metros.