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Across the globe, cities continue to implement autonomous technology for mass transportation systems – utilizing innovative solutions capable of meeting changing mobility needs and more.

As the United States looks to invest in its infrastructure, how autonomous mobility would transform the United States’ transportation systems and infrastructure should be examined – our autonomous solution for HART in Honolulu, Hawaii is key example of how this technology can transform mobility.

Why should cities consider autonomous metros?

Autonomous mobility provides more than improved transit systems.

Very soon, the United States will enjoy enhanced efficiency and safety for their transportation infrastructure, benefit economically and environmentally, and increase transit accessibility.

In Copenhagen, Hitachi Rail’s Cityringen project has already achieved this.

The M3 line services 17 stations with a total travel time of less than 30 minutes. Passengers can interchange with the M1 and M2 lines at four stations, and the metro successfully services 85% of the cities’ population.

Autonomous mobility makes it possible to adapt timetabling to actual passenger demand – the train recognizes that it does not have to run when there are no passengers, keeping operational and maintenance costs low. Additionally, it means peak demand can be better supported.

We manufactured the line’s driverless metro trains, signalling, and turnkey systems; demonstrating our continued commitment to providing sustainable, efficient, and effective products and solutions.

Climate action

Tackling climate change is fundamental to our corporate mission at Hitachi Rail.

We are using Science-Based Targets to decrease our own carbon footprint and Hitachi, Ltd have set new targets to achieve carbon neutrality throughout our entire value chain by 2050, alongside the existing commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across all its business sites by 2030.

Cities significantly contribute to carbon emissions. However, railways are already one of the most carbon efficient transportation options.

Autonomous technology also has the added benefit of improving capacity; increased rail transit minimizes road-related pollution and reduces traffic congestion.

Transformed transit equals a transformed society

Reduced operational costs, new green technologies and the integration of advanced passenger information systems will be the foundation of intermodal mobility in US smart cities.

Autonomous mobility and driverless technology is transforming infrastructure and transit systems and passenger experience is at the heart of these solutions.

Technology is already having an effect to shorten distances across the vastness of the United States; autonomous rail is the sustainable and smarter solution to make passenger transit accessible for all.

Author

Allan Immel

Head of Turnkey Systems Business Development - North America Location: North America