Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro

Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro

Company type	Division
Industry	Rail transport
Predecessor	AnsaldoBreda, Ansaldo STS
Headquarters	Italy , Italy
Products	Autonomous electric multiple unit trains, signalling technology
Parent	Hitachi Rail Italy

Template:Good article Template:Infobox EMU

The Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro comprises a series of autonomous electric multiple unit trains paired with their dedicated signaling technology. Produced by Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda) alongside Hitachi Rail STS (previously Ansaldo STS) in Italy, these systems are currently deployed or planned for deployment on the Copenhagen Metro, a people mover at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, the Brescia Metro, the Thessaloniki Metro, lines 4 and 5 of the Milan Metro, Line C of the Rome Metro, the Skyline in Honolulu, and the Circular line of the New Taipei Metro. The inaugural implementation of this driverless EMU class was on the Copenhagen Metro, which commenced operations in 2002.

The fleet consists of articulated trainsets ranging from two to six cars, all running on standard gauge. Each car delivers a power output between 210 and 256 kilowatts (282 and 343 hp), supplied via a Template:750 V DC third rail system, except for Rome where a Template:1,500 V DC overhead line is utilized. These metro systems operate fully autonomously, incorporating technologies such as automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), and automatic train supervision.

Rolling stock

File:Copenhagen Metro Train Interior.jpg

Interior view of a Copenhagen Metro unit

The trains feature uniform carbody designs connected by articulation joints. The number of cars varies depending on the operating network. For instance, the units serving Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University consist of two-car formations. Other networks employ trains with three to six cars, resulting in lengths spanning approximately 39 to 109 metres (128 to 358 ft) (). The standard width is 2.65 metres (8 ft 8 in), except for Rome’s fleet which measures 2.85 metres (9 ft 4 in), and Honolulu’s Skyline trains that are built to a width of approximately 10 feet (3.0 m) to meet Federal Railroad Administration standards. Heights vary between 3.4 and 3.85 metres (11.2 and 12.6 ft) across different models. Each car is equipped with two doors per side, each door measuring about 1.3 metres (4 ft 3 in) wide and 1.945 metres (6 ft 4.6 in) tall. The exterior styling was developed by Italdesign Giugiaro.

Trains composed of three or four cars are fitted with six asynchronous three-phase induction motors per set, each providing between 105 and 128 kilowatts (141 and 172 hp), resulting in total power outputs ranging from approximately 630 to 764 kilowatts (845 to 1,025 hp) per trainset. Each car’s pair of motors is powered by its individual insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) inverter. Power is typically drawn from a 750 V bottom-contact third rail system; however, Honolulu employs a top-contact third rail at the same voltage, while Rome uses a 1500 V overhead catenary system. Maximum speeds range from 80 to 105 kilometres per hour (50 to 65 mph), with acceleration and deceleration rates around 1.3 m/s². The trains are fully compatible with platform screen doors installed at all stations in Brescia, Rome, Milan, Copenhagen, Honolulu, and Thessaloniki.

System	Classification	Line	Opening date	Trains	Cars	Length (m/ft)		Width (m/ft)		Power (kW/hp)		Speed (kmph/mph)
Brescia	Series 100	—	2013	18	3		—		—		—		—
Copenhagen Metro	A/B 01-34	M1 and M2	2002	34	3		—		—		—		—
		M3 and M4	2019	30	3		—		—		—		—
—	Skyline	2023	20	4		—		—	—	—		—
Series 4400	Milan Metro Line 4	2022	47	4		—		—		—		—
Series 5500	Milan Metro Line 5	2013	21	4		—		—		—		—
Series MC V00	Line C (Rome Metro)	2014	30	6		—		—	—	—
EMU101		Circular line (New Taipei Metro)	align="right"|2020	align="right"|17	align="right"|4		—		—		—		—
	Sanying line		2025	align="right"|29	align="right"|2
Line 1		2024	align="right"|33	align="right"|4		—		—		—		—

Automation

The entire system is managed by a fully computerized automation platform housed within the control and maintenance facility. The automatic train control (ATC) framework is composed of three key subsystems: automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), and automatic train supervision (ATS). The ATP oversees train velocity regulation, verifies that doors are securely closed before departure, and confirms that switches are properly aligned. This system primarily employs fixed block signaling, except in station areas where moving block signaling is implemented. The design and construction of this system were undertaken by Union Switch & Signal.

File:Kopenhage Metro Control.jpg

Control room of the Copenhagen Metro

The ATO functions as an autopilot, guiding trains according to a predetermined timetable, ensuring stops at stations, and managing door operations. Meanwhile, the ATS supervises all network elements, including tracks and rolling stock, presenting a real-time schematic within the control center. Safety considerations dictate that only the ATP subsystem is critical; it will stop trains if faults occur in other components. Ancillary systems such as power distribution, ventilation, security alarms, surveillance cameras, and pumping mechanisms are governed by a separate "control, regulating and surveillance" system.

Routine maintenance predominantly involves wheel grinding, while more complex repairs entail component replacements sent back to manufacturers. Maintaining spare parts inventory allows for reduced downtime during servicing. The facility also houses specialized work trains, including a diesel locomotive capable of retrieving disabled trains. Staffing at the control center typically consists of four personnel: two oversee the ATC operations, one manages passenger information systems, and another handles secondary systems like power supply. A technical repair crew is always on standby for immediate deployment in case of malfunctions. Although driverless, trains may have stewards onboard to assist passengers, conduct ticket inspections, and provide help during emergencies.

Operators

File:Metro bs vagone 02.jpg

Brescia Metro unit

Brescia

Main article: Brescia Metro

The Brescia Metro commenced operations in March 2013 in Brescia, Italy. Spanning approximately 18 km (11.2 mi), the network was developed across three phases and includes 17 stations. It operates with a headway of 90 seconds between trains. ASM Brescia procured 18 trainsets currently deployed on this metro line.

Copenhagen

Main article: Copenhagen Metro

Denmark's Copenhagen Metro comprises four lines: M1, M2, M3, and M4, covering a total distance of 38.2 kilometers (23.7 mi) and serving 37 stations. The network began operations in 2002 and underwent expansion in 2019, with additional growth plans currently under consideration. The initial routes link the city center with the districts of Frederiksberg and Amager, as well as Copenhagen Airport. The subsequent addition, the City Circle Line, commenced service on September 29, 2019. Metroselskabet acquired 34 train sets, each composed of three cars, between 2002 and 2007, maintaining intervals between trains ranging from two to twenty minutes, including continuous overnight service. In April 2008, the Copenhagen Metro was honored with the MetroRail 2008 award for being the world's best metro system.

Honolulu

Main article: Skyline (Honolulu)

The Skyline is an elevated rail line spanning 16.1 mi (25.9 km), with plans to extend it to 18.9 mi (30.4 km). This line will connect Honolulu city on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi to its suburban areas. The inaugural segment opened on June 30, 2023, with full completion of the 19-station route expected by 2031.

Lima

Main article: Lima Metro

Line 2 of the Lima Metro and a branch of Line 4 are currently under construction. Line 2 will connect the eastern and western parts of the city, while the Line 4 branch will link Jorge Chavez International Airport with Line 2. Construction is planned in two stages, with the first phase targeted for completion in 2017 and the second by 2020. The combined cost for both lines is estimated at US$5,346,000.

Milan

File:2013-02-16 M5 la Lilla Milano (8545129882).jpg

Train of Milan Metro Line 5

Main articles: Milan Metro Line 5 and Milan Metro Line 4

The inaugural segment of the Milan Metro's Line 5, stretching from Bignami to the interchange with M3 at Zara, was launched on 10 February 2013. The subsequent phase, which extends service from Zara to Porta Garibaldi station, commenced operations on 1 March 2014. In 2015, the third segment became operational, connecting Garibaldi to San Siro stadium. Plans are underway for a fourth extension from Bignami to Monza, targeted for completion by 2027. The initial section, measuring approximately 5.6 kilometres (3.5 mi), had an estimated budget of €500 million.

Line 4 of the Milan Metro connects Linate Airport with San Cristoforo over a distance of 15 km (9.3 mi), encompassing 21 stations. The first segment between Linate and Dateo started service on 26 November 2022, with the entire line reaching completion in 2024.

Riyadh

Main article: Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University § Transportation

In Riyadh, an automated metro line spanning approximately 11.5 km was inaugurated in 2012 to serve Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University located on the city’s outskirts.

Rome

Main article: Line C (Rome Metro)

Line C of the Rome Metro extends for 25.5 km (15.8 mi), with approximately 17.6 km (10.9 mi) running below ground. Metropolitana di Roma has procured thirty trains, each composed of six cars, which are 20 centimeters (7.9 in) wider than rolling stock on other lines and can accommodate up to 1,200 passengers per trainset. The network operates at an average velocity of around 35 km/h (21.7 mph), with intervals between trains ranging from three to twelve minutes.

Taipei

Main article: Circular line (New Taipei Metro)

The Yellow line, also known as the Circular line within the New Taipei Metro system in Taiwan, functions as a connecting route among existing metro lines. This line spans roughly 49 km (30.4 mi) and includes either 41 or 42 stations. The initial phase, covering 15.4 km (9.6 mi) with 14 stations, was finalized in January 2020. For this segment, the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation acquired 17 trainsets.

Thessaloniki

File:Thessaloniki Metro AnsaldoBreda Driverless Metro interior.png

Interior of a Thessaloniki Metro unit.

Main article: Thessaloniki Metro

Greece's second metro system began construction in 2006 and officially opened in November 2024. The project, including a planned extension toward the eastern part of Thessaloniki, involved an investment of three billion euros (approximately $3.2 billion). Currently, the network covers 14.28 km (8.87 mi) and comprises 13 stations, with an additional five stations expected by 2025. Line 1 operates with 18 driverless trains manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda), with plans to add 15 more units alongside the Kalamaria extension's inauguration. These four-section articulated trains have a total capacity of 466 passengers, including seating for 96 and standing room for 370.