China: At the end of April, the city of Qingdao inaugurated the first section of metro line 6, which is equipped to enable the highest grade of automation, GoA4.
The first domestically-developed TACS is developed by the global leader of the rolling stock market, CRRC. The system features interlocking and zone control functions, which are usually ensured by track components of CBTC.
TACS-equipped trains are able to send instructions via an LTE-M network without the need for designated devices. Such a decentralised approach also enhances fault tolerance, reduces costs, deployment duration, and headways between trains. The speed of a train is controlled by artificial intelligence.
The B1 train from CRRC with the ATO system TACS. Source: Sohu
Line 6 is a 30.8 km long line with 21 stations served by 29 six-car B1 trains produced by CRRC. The estimated cost of the project is RMB 17.9 bln ($2.5 bln). China is now building the second 13.9 km section with 10 stations.
