China’s first fully automated, driverless elevated monorail has entered passenger service in Wuhan.
The monorail fleet consists of 28 six-car Innovia monorail trains, which are now operating on Line 1. The system is equipped with ATO GoA 4, the highest grade of automation. This grade of automation allows the trains to operate without a driver or attendants.
Both the Innovia monorail platform and the 168 cars were provided by Alstom’s Chinese JV CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems. The Cityflo 650 signalling system was supplied by Bombardier NUG Signalling Solutions Company, Alstom’s signalling JV in China following its acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in January 2021. Alstom’s propulsion JV in China, Bombardier NUG Propulsion Systems, supplied the Mitrac propulsion equipment for the Innovia monorail trains.
Jianwei Zhang, President of Alstom China, said:The start of operations marks another milestone for Alstom's Chinese joint ventures, which remain committed to working alongside our customers. Wuhu's new fully automated and driverless elevated monorail will be a game changer for residents, decreasing their commute time while also reducing congestion, pollution, and carbon emissions in the city.
The monorail line is 30.46km long and has 25 stations. The trains run at speeds of 80km/h.
