On September 27, 2020, the first section of Chengdu Metro Line 18 was officially put into operation. This line is the first urban express line in China that passes through the downtown area and reaches up to 140 kilometers per hour. CASCO has customized a CBTC signaling solution for this line to ensure the accessibility of the metro network and a smooth and comfortable experience for passengers through big data-driven and network-based operations management. The opening of this line marks that Chengdu Metro has entered the “Era of Metro Express Lines”, and also proves CASCO’s strong ability to innovate and practice.

The metro depot of Chengdu Metro Line 18  Source: Chengdu Metro

Chengdu Metro Line 18 is an express line connecting downtown Chengdu with the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. This line starts at the south of Chengdu Railway Station and ends at the north of Tianfu Airport. It has the advantages of metro and intercity speedy trains, such as large passenger capacity, fast start and stop, easy access, high speed and low noise. This line is also the first compound line in China that integrates multiple business models and serves passengers from the downtown area, the city and the airport. The opening of this line is a boost for the development of the dual-city economic circle in the Chengdu-Chongqing area and Chengdu’s “eastward development” strategy. This line has also further improved Chengdu’s core rail network, and has effectively relieved the traffic pressure on the north-south development axis of the city. This line can greatly meet the needs of urban development and public transport.

The route map of Chengdu Metro Line 18  Source: Chengdu Metro

Unlike other lines, Line 18 is complex. This metro line is the fastest and the longest, and passes through the longest tunnel in China. After the opening of Line 19 in the future, these two lines will share some routes. The “smart brain” that supports this complex line is CASCO’s CBTC signaling system. This system can perform big data computing and intelligent dispatching. It will support Line 18 throughout its operation and develop an optimal operation plan to solve the “traffic problems”.

The “smart brain” addresses issues that may occur when trains are running on shared routes

The CASCO signaling system provides unified management of network-based operations for the route sharing of lines 18 and 19. In case of emergency, the signaling system will calculate based on the conditions of the running trains and the running time of each section. A huge amount of data can be processed in a short time. Then, the optimal operation plan can be formulated immediately by using the intelligent dispatch function to restore normal order.

Intelligent operation control improves travel experience

As an airport line, Line 18 has a speed of up to 140km/h and passes through the Longquanshan Tunnel. Passengers may experience strong ear pressure changes and feel uncomfortable when the train goes in and out of a tunnel at high speed. CASCO has optimized its signaling system to make passengers feel more comfortable when trains are traveling at high speeds. The signaling system is able to adjust the train speed flexibly to improve the passenger experience.

Since the establishment of its connection with Chengdu in 2013, CASCO has provided safe, mature and reliable signaling system solutions for multiple urban rail transit lines in Chengdu. These lines include the commercially-operated Chengdu Metro Line 4, Line 7, Line 18, and Chengdu Tram Line 2. They also include Chengdu Metro Line 17 yet to be opened this year and Chengdu Metro Line 9 which will be the first UTO line in Chengdu and even in Southwest China.

CASCO adheres to the concept of “all-round protection to make you feel safe throughout the whole journey”. It will continue to contribute to Chengdu’s rail transit development with more intelligent and advanced technology and better full life cycle management. CASCO will facilitate Chengdu’s development by providing smart transportation so as to bring safer, more comfortable and more convenient travel experience to the people of Chengdu.