An efficient transport system provides not only an attractive mobility means but also an increased traffic capacity. The underground, as a mode of transport providing safe and rapid mobility, having a major contribution in removing traffic bottlenecks and taking over a significant number of passengers, has to benefit from the implementation of technologies that allow an increased capacity and optimisation of networks to the end purpose of ensuring a highly superior transport compared to the other means of transport. Underground transport demand is constantly growing determining suppliers to create integrated systems that help boost traffic capacity.
Consequently, the tendency of equipping the underground trains with automated systems is also high. Moreover, recently built networks include modern automation systems, such as the “driverless” system (without driver).
Also, modern automation systems are implemented on older networks all around the world, in response to the demands regarding the increase of capacity on the existing infrastructures, improvement of services and reduction of operation costs. Considering the enormous costs of building a new underground line, automation benefits are invariably linked to maximizing operational performances and boosting transport capacity. Once the automation degree is increased, the responsibility of operations management passes from the engine driver to the system. A train control system includes survey, operation and control during the entire operational process. To increase line capacity, it is important to reduce intervals between underground trains, as well as the time consumed between stations and at stops. To approach these problems, Alstom created the Urbalis solution, based on the Automated Train Control System (ATC). Therefore, due to a permanent communication between trains, line, interlocking systems and control centre, Urbalis improves traffic by reducing intervals between trains (by less than 90 seconds compared to the previous 2 to 3 minutes) and boosting capacity. Short intervals, precision of stops and traffic regularity can be obtained by implementing the Automatic Train Operation (ATO).
Innovating technologies improve the commercial efficiency and capacity of transport, while vehicle on-board systems reduce not only energy consumption, but also 25% of the wear of vehicles while improving the underground line by up to 50%. To achieve this, the optimal speed command is calculated through the vehicle position, the train schedule and the infrastructure parameters. All these help boost the transport capacity of the underground and, in order to meet these demands, Siemens created a new type of operation for ATO.
Thales’ SelTrac solution increases transport capacity and includes the “driverless” technology which also helps operators cut costs.
Automated systems not only enhance transport capacity, but provide a safe transport service, while reducing traffic frequency. Initially, underground trains run at intervals between 2 to 3 minutes, but it is technically possible, as we have mentioned before, to reduce these intervals to 90 seconds. For passengers, short intervals between underground trains means less time in stations. Underground trains become faster, resulting in more passengers choosing the underground as means of transport.
However, an increased capacity of the underground system depends on several factors: the authorities, financing and viable projects that could bring a real contribution to the underground transport.
The projects for implementation of systems that have a direct contribution to increasing the transport capacity require massive investments from institutions and the authorities need to have a clear contribution in these projects by supporting manufacturers and suppliers. More and more cities plan launching modernisation projects or constructions of new underground line, equipped with latest technologies in order to attract passengers towards a safe and efficient transport mode, but they stumble against political inclarities which influence the industrial activity and the development of technology in the area.
The business sector, both industry and transport operators, needs political and financial support in developing the underground transport which can help an entire city grow.
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