The Thessaloniki Metro with its Automatic System GoA4 (driverless) is one of the most modern, safe and reliable Metro worldwide.
The Automatic Metro Driverless System was launched in 1980 and over the past ten years has been spreading rapidly to the world’s largest cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Budapest, Barcelona and Milan. It is a System that represents the future of Metro transportation, mainly because it provides the highest levels of safety and reliability.
The Automatic System meets the highest safety standards for passengers as the operation of the Thessaloniki Metro is monitored daily with multiple automatic control mechanisms. This ensures that every route, every hour, and along the entire length of the Network is performed in accordance with all safety and security rules.
| Grade of Automation | Type of train in motion | Setting train in motion | Stopping train | Doors closure | Operation in event of disruption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GoA1  |
ATP* with driver | Driver | Driver | Driver | Driver |
GoA2  |
ATP* & ATO* with driver | Automatic | Automatic | Driver | Driver |
GoA3  |
Driverless | Automatic | Automatic | Train attendant | Train attendant |
GoA4  |
UTO* | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
In addition, the Platform Screen Doors (PSD) available at all Stations protect passengers during their stay on the platforms as they isolate the tunnel area (where the trains are electrified and operate) and make it inaccessible.
Finally, another feature of the Thessaloniki Metro and its Automatic System is the flexibility of the routes that adapt to the particular conditions of everyday life. In this way, in cases of high passenger demand, the Thessaloniki Metro can increase the number of trains served to passengers.
Understanding Train Immobilization in Automated Metro Systems
The fully automated Thessaloniki Metro system is designed with safety as a top priority, and its operation is continuously monitored through multiple automated control mechanisms and preventive measures.
Safety as a Priority
Advanced sensors and control systems constantly monitor train operations. If even a minor deviation is detected, such as an obstacle on the tracks, the system automatically stops the train to assess the situation. This ensures potential issues are identified and addressed promptly.
Especially during the initial stages of a fully automated metro system, like the Thessaloniki Metro, isolated events of train immobilization can be expected more often, causing brief delays as the system adjusts to real-world and high-intensity operating conditions. These delays are entirely normal and in no way compromise passenger safety. On the contrary, they ensure the system is functioning optimally.
Immobilization Does Not Always Indicate a Fault
The immobilization of a train is a preventive measure to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and does not necessarily indicate a technical fault with the train. The system ensures that the train can continue its journey only when it has confirmed that all conditions are completely safe.
Backup Safety Systems
Multiple backup safety systems operate simultaneously. If a primary system detects an issue, the backup safety systems activate. The train remains immobilized until all systems confirm safe conditions for continued operation.
Train Evacuation Procedure
In rare cases where detecting and resolving a potential problem requires time, it may be necessary to evacuate the train. Evacuation is carried out to:
• Avoid prolonged passenger stays inside an immobilized train.
• Ensure that technicians can safely resolve the issue without passengers on board.
This is a standard procedure followed by automated metro systems worldwide.
During a train evacuation:
• Planned and Tested Protocols Are Followed
Evacuation procedures adhere to carefully designed, tested, and certified processes to ensure they are carried out with organization, efficiency, and safety.
• Trained Staff Guide and Assist Passengers
The trained train attendant guides passengers safely through the walkway in the tunnel toward the nearest station, providing assistance to those with mobility issues, as well as vision or hearing impairments. In the case of a passenger in a wheelchair, the train attendant remains with them in the train and ensures their needs are met until the train safely reaches the station, where they can disembark on the platform.
• Passengers Are Led to Safe Exit Points
The train evacuation is completed either through emergency exits leading to street level or through the station platform.
All steps are designed to minimize inconvenience and ensure everyone’s safety.
A Safe & Reliable System
At Thessaloniki Metro, every journey is undertaken only when all conditions are fully safe and verified, meeting the highest safety standards.
