TCT’s fully automatic operation (FAO) system is a train operation control system that can operate automatically without the need of drivers on duty.
UITP divides the grades of automation (GoA for short) of train operation into five grades: GoA0, GoA1, GoA2, GoA3 and GoA4, wherein the CBTC system belongs to GoA2, while FAO belongs to GoA3 and GoA4. The automation grade of TCT’s FAO system based on CBTC can reach GoA4 (i.e., the unattended automatic operation of train), which means that the train can realise automatic awake, dormant, adjustment, stop, door closing and operation under interference without the need of driver/crew’s operation.
FAO is the fourth-generation product of rail transit signal systems. Compared with the basic CBTC system, it can realise highly automation and improve the system safety and reliability as well as the operational efficiency and flexibility. The specific details are as follows:
- Highly automation level. FAO can realise driverless operation, automatic awake and dormant, parking lot entry/exit, and washing. It takes driving as the core, realises highly integration through signal, vehicle, integrated monitoring and communication systems and improve the overall automation level;
- High system safety. According to the statistics, more than 70% of rail transit accidents are caused artificially. Therefore, FAO can ensure passengers’ get on/off and interior safety by strengthening video monitoring and emergency communication equipment, improving the emergency handling capacity, realising automatic fault response, expanding the safety protection scope, and minimising the probability of accidents caused by humans errors. FAO can upload the fault information of the signal system and vehicle and realise emergency treatment and online maintenance through remote and automatic control.
- High system reliability. FAO can improve the system reliability through all-round redundancy configuration. All the vehicle and signal equipment of FAO are designed in redundancy mode, which can reduce operation faults, improve the fault self-diagnosis and seal-healing ability and enhance the availability and reliability of the whole system.
- High operation efficiency and flexibility. Driverless operation of FAO can realise 7*24 uninterrupted transportation service, users can adjust the operation interval according to the transportation demand, optimise the operation plan and transport capacity distribution, improve the operation efficiency and transportation capability and reduce the operation cost. Reduction of artificial operation eliminates the time lag, reduces the stop and tracking time and further improves the line operation speed, on-time performance and riding comfort.