Shanghai's first self-driving metro line starts trial run

Shanghai's first fully automatic metro line started trial operation on Friday, using a roller rail system.

The Pujiang Line is 6.68 kilometers long with six stations, which starts at Huizhen Road Station in the south and terminates at Shendu Highway Station. The line uses a roller rail system because it allows trains to start, stop and turn corners more nimbly.

Unlike previous systems, the trains are fully automatic, earning it the name Automated People Mover (APM) system.

"This roller rail system makes less noise. In addition, it allows trains to turn corners at a smaller radius compared with existing subway trains so that they can shuttle between communities. It is Shanghai's first self-driving APM line. That's to say the train starts, stops, opens and closes its doors automatically, using signals to ensure trains keep a safe distance from each other,” says Yu Miao, manager of Shanghai Metro's Pujiang Line.

(CGTN)