In Spring 2005, the Metro Committee gave a mandate to a working group to prepare a study on unattended train operation (UTO). UTO concept is a more accurate concept than the widely used "driverless train". This study is designed as a transfer of experience to newcomers, i.e. to provide very concrete information to unexperienced stakeholders (mainly operators or transport authorities). Next to the concept, the many benefits of UTO are listed and explained.

A multi-layered approach was used to create this innovative product. It gives a generaloverview of the position of most experienced companies about a number of issues at stake using frequently asked questions (FAQ).

For each FAQ, a common practice is provided, which attemps to describe a trend across the cities. It is also possible to access some specific aspects dealt with by each individual company, and to go deeper into the details down to specific case studies.

Also, because “1 picture is worth 1000 words”, a section called frequently asked pictures (FAP) was designed to give a visual idea of various designs, equipments and solutions at a glance.

To complement this state-of-the-art overview, the supply industry was asked to give its opinion on future developments and trends.

We hope that this will allow problems to be rapidly identified and easy access to the recommendations, without having to read hundreds of pages.

The graph below gives an overview of the framework, logics and relationships between the various elements:

Finally, the mapping of UTO systems has been revised and updated to constitute the first and most comprehensive atlas of UTOs.

We wish you a pleasant and informative read and hope that you can exploit this vast consolidated collection of knowledge and experience to help you in your projects.