Subways can be so cool! A smart journey of Qingdao's "smartest subway"

Qingdao, a coastal city with unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage, has faced huge challenges in its transportation carrying capacity in recent years with the growth of urban population and regional development. Since the opening of the first subway line in 2015, Qingdao Metro has put new lines into operation every year. In this process, the opening and operation of Qingdao Metro Line 6, my country's first fully autonomous operation system (TACS) demonstration project, has attracted much attention. Recently, the reporter visited this line, which is known as Qingdao's "smartest subway", and deeply felt the unique charm of smart transportation projects.

TACS system: equipping trains with a “smart brain”

On the Qingdao Metro Line 6 train, the reporter met Xing Chunyang, deputy chief engineer of Qingdao Metro Group. He told the reporter that there was no driver on Line 6, and the train relied on the independently developed TACS system (Train Autonomous Operation System) to achieve fully automatic operation.

There was no driver on Qingdao Metro Line 6. Photo provided by the interviewee

"This system is like installing a 'control brain' on the train," said Xing Chunyang. "The train will complete the entire process of automated control, from wake-up, self-checking, leaving the depot, running on the main line, stopping at stations to open and close doors, turning back, and returning to the depot to sleep, based on the pre-downloaded mission plan."

The reporter learned that the TACS system not only improves operational efficiency, but also increases the efficiency of train turnaround by 21% through a refined resource management model. This means that during peak operating hours, an additional 8 trains can be arranged to go online every hour, transporting about 10,000 more passengers, effectively alleviating the pressure during peak hours.

"Our system is two orders of magnitude safer than traditional systems," said Xing Chunyang proudly. "If an accident occurs, the train can turn around within 12 seconds. It is equipped with an anti-collision radar that can detect foreign objects on the running line and brake in time." The TACS system, which has completely independent intellectual property rights, is at the forefront of world innovative technology and has enabled China's rail transit equipment to leap from "nothing to something" to "technological leadership."

Smart Station: A Perfect Combination of Technology and Humanity

In addition to the smart trains, the smart station of Qingdao Metro Line 6 is also eye-catching. The reporter came to the smart station of Line 6 and met Wang Yihua, a senior engineer of Qingdao Metro Group, and Dong Yanjun, deputy station chief of Hengyunshan Station of Qingdao Metro Operation Company.

"The smart station system integrates more than 20 AI algorithms, including passenger fall recognition and special group recognition," said Wang Yihua. "We use technologies such as AI video analysis and IoT sensing to achieve more accurate passenger services and safer event handling."

Dong Yanjun added: "The station's operating efficiency has been greatly improved, with the station switching and patrol tasks being improved by 78%, the overall operating efficiency being improved by 60%, and the emergency response efficiency being improved by 80%."

The reporter also learned that the smart station provides considerate services for special passengers. For example, for passengers pushing wheelchairs, the system can accurately identify and arrange staff to provide assistance. Since the opening of Line 6, more than 2,000 special passengers have been provided with services, and the service response time has been shortened to less than 2 minutes.

In addition, the establishment of an unmanned service center has also brought more convenience to passengers. Passengers can use the self-service ticket processing terminal to complete functions such as stored-value card recharge and destination inquiry. If they encounter any problems, they can also use the one-click call function to get remote guidance from the train control room staff.

Today, as the country's first full-line, full-function, and full-scenario smart subway, Qingdao Metro Line 6 not only provides citizens with a more convenient and comfortable travel experience, but also sets a new benchmark for my country's rail transit field.