Driverless Technology: First automatically operated metro train in SW China has test run

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02:49

China's latest driverless train has hit the tracks. It requires no human staff. So is it safe? And how efficient is it? CGTN's Yang Jinghao shows us.

A driverless train on a new metro line in Chengdu. Following similar trains in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, the southwestern Chinese city is the latest to roll out the cutting-edge technology to improve its transportation efficiency.

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "The system uses the highest level of automatization - unattended train operation, in which trains are able to run fully automatically at all times without any staff on board when the line goes into full operation in 2020."

From starting, to driving, to returning and even cleaning, each task will be implemented on its own. The automated train measures 185 meters and it's three meters wide, with a maximum capacity of about 3,500 passengers. Its top speed: 100 kilometers per hour.

ZENG JIAN, DEPUTY HEAD NEW LINE DEPT, CHENGDU RAIL TRANSIT GROUP "It's the country's first fully automatic metro train that consists of eight large carriages. All 25 trains for this line have adopted the latest technologies. For example, they are equipped with intelligent devices to detect obstacles and derailment risks. Also, there are special designs for the seats and lighting."

During the test run, the first group to ride, mostly media, found it quite different from traditional trains while showing high expectations for the intelligent rides.

LIU TANGLIANG TEST RIDER "We learned that the operator cab will be open to passengers, who can enjoy quite a different experience there. I think this is a highlight of the train."

FU WENLI TEST RIDER "I'm quite impressed by its high-tech elements. I hope there will be more such driverless metro lines in Chengdu in the future, which can better serve the citizens."

As a relatively new invention, safety issues remain a major concern for many passengers.

ZENG JIAN, DEPUTY HEAD NEW LINE DEPT, CHENGDU RAIL TRANSIT GROUP "The trains will go through safety assessments based on the highest international standards before going to operation. Actually, We have taken safety issues into full consideration during the designing process, such as the circuit design."

China has seen a boom of metro construction over the past decade, and the network continues to expand. Zeng says he believes the driverless mode will become a trend, which will help save manpower and maintenance costs to a large extent. YANG JINGHAO, CGTN, CHENGDU, SICHUAN PROVINCE.