The Brescia automated driverless metro is a completely automated transport system similar to that built by Ansaldo STS in Copenhagen, in operation since 2002, with trains that travel completely safely and regularly without any operator on board.
This system, designed to the most rigorous safety requirements, has the same safety certification as that obtained for the Copenhagen Metro, in accordance with CENELEC regulations EN 50126, EN 50128 and ENV 50129.
The driverless automatic system and the command, control and diagnostic system for all on-board and line equipment ensures:
- automated operation by the control systems in the operating control room, along the line and on board trains, which communicate with each other
- traffic safety by continuous monitoring of the speeds and positions of the trains along the line.
- control by the operating control room of all remote monitoring and remote diagnostics parameters, and monitoring of all line equipment
- monitoring and continuous correction of schedule slippages
- stopping precision, which is essential for the automatic doors to open at station platforms
- high flexibility and economy of operation, as trains may be introduced or withdrawn from the line at any time to cope with expected or unexpected variations in transport requirements.
- the opportunity to deploy staff who would otherwise have been employed as drivers, on other duties, such as passenger assistance on board trains and in stations.
The route of the first stretch of the Brescia automated driverless metro did not change from the preliminary research stage until its final approval. From the very beginning, the metro was planned to serve highly populated areas and to link the main centres with high traffic flow (hospitals, sports facilities, schools, universities, public offices, etc.).
The route, which is currently limited to within the Brescia local authority area, covers 13.1 km and has 17 stations: eight in deep-level tunnels, five in subsurface tunnels, two at ground level and two on viaducts.
The depot is situated near the terminus of S. Eufemia. This houses the operating control room, where four operators are able to run the entire transport system, ensure passenger safety via CCTV monitoring, and talk to passengers on trains and at stations via radio.
