Brescia Driverless Metro System: A Case Study in Automated Urban Rail

This article examines the Brescia driverless metro system, a significant project in automated urban rail transportation. The project’s aim was to address Brescia’s growing traffic congestion and provide efficient, reliable public transit. We will explore the project’s conception, design, construction, technological implementation, and operational aspects, highlighting the challenges overcome and the resulting benefits. The analysis will delve into the technological choices made, the integration of various systems, and the project’s overall impact on the city’s transportation infrastructure and its inhabitants. Furthermore, we will assess the project’s long-term viability and its potential for influencing future driverless metro projects worldwide. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of this innovative urban rail solution and its implications for sustainable urban development.

Project Conception and Planning

Facing escalating vehicular traffic in the 1980s, Brescia’s City Council investigated several transport solutions. Options such as trolleybuses, light rail, and a metro system were meticulously evaluated from technical and economic standpoints. A driverless metro was ultimately deemed the optimal solution, offering the capacity and efficiency needed to alleviate congestion while minimizing environmental impact. The tendering process, initiated in 2000, culminated in a 2003 contract award to a consortium comprising Ansaldo STS (now Hitachi Rail STS), Astaldi (now part of Webuild), and AnsaldoBreda (now Hitachi Rail Italy).

Construction and Technological Integration

Construction commenced in January 2004, initially projected for seven years. However, the discovery of significant archaeological findings at several stations, particularly S. Faustino and Vittoria, necessitated redesigns and extended the project timeline. The final opening date was March 2013. The 17-station system features a mix of underground (deep and shallow tunnels), at-grade, and elevated sections, strategically located to maximize ridership. Platform screen doors (PSD) enhance safety and passenger comfort by creating a barrier between the platform and the tracks, mitigating wind effects from passing trains. The system relies heavily on automation, with a centralized control room monitoring train movements 24/7 and providing passenger assistance. This allows operational staff to focus on passenger service and safety management. The rolling stock, provided by AnsaldoBreda, consists of 18 three-car trains, each with a capacity of 300 passengers (72 seated).

System Suppliers and Technologies

The project involved a collaboration of multiple technology providers. Ansaldo STS was the prime contractor, responsible for power supply, automatic train control (ATC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and telecommunications equipment. Astaldi handled civil works and the installation of electrical and mechanical systems. Knorr-Bremse supplied the platform screen doors. IVU Traffic Technologies provided the integrated software suite encompassing planning (IVU.Plan), vehicle management (IVU.Vehicle), fleet management (IVU.Fleet), real-time passenger information (IVU.Realtime), and ticketing (IVU.Ticket) systems. This integrated approach ensured seamless operation and efficient management of the entire system.

Operational Performance and Future Expansion

The Brescia metro achieves a high passenger throughput of up to 8,500 passengers per hour per direction, with train frequencies ranging from 3 to 6 minutes. Trains operate at 30 km/h, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Each train features a manual driving panel for emergency situations. The current line represents only a portion of a planned larger network. Future expansion plans include a 3.5 km extension to the Fiera Exhibition Ground and a line connecting Prealpino and Inzino through the Trompia Valley, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in that area.

Project Summary

Conclusions

The Brescia driverless metro system stands as a successful example of implementing advanced automated rail technology in an urban environment. While challenges such as archaeological discoveries extended the project timeline and budget, the project’s completion demonstrates the feasibility of building complex driverless metro systems. The integration of various technologies from multiple suppliers, resulting in a well-functioning and efficient system, is a key takeaway. The system’s operational performance, achieving high passenger throughput with frequent services, underscores the benefits of automated systems for urban transit. The focus on passenger safety, highlighted by the inclusion of platform screen doors and a centralized control room, is commendable. Future expansion plans demonstrate the project’s role in the city’s long-term transportation strategy and its potential for addressing growing transport needs. The Brescia project offers valuable insights for future driverless metro projects globally, showcasing best practices in planning, construction, technology integration, and operational management. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a template for other cities facing similar challenges in providing efficient and sustainable public transportation. The lessons learned from overcoming unexpected challenges, such as the archaeological findings, underscore the importance of robust planning and risk mitigation in large-scale infrastructure projects. The long-term impact of this metro system on Brescia’s urban development and its contribution to a more sustainable future remain to be fully observed but have the potential to significantly improve quality of life within the city.

Company Information:

• Hitachi Rail STS (formerly Ansaldo STS): A global leader in rail signaling and control systems.
• Webuild (formerly Astaldi): A major international construction group.
• Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda): A prominent manufacturer of rolling stock.
• Knorr-Bremse: A global supplier of braking systems and other rail components.
• IVU Traffic Technologies: A provider of software solutions for public transportation.