Siemens VAL Solution in Torino – The First Driverless Metro in Italy

To address increasing traffic congestion in Torino, Italy, and maintain the attractiveness of the city, the authorities of the capital of the Piedmont region worked out a significant development plan for the whole public transportation network. A key element of this plan was the decision in July 2000 to implement a fully automated metro system and the selection of the Siemens VAL technology. This first driverless metro line will complement the existing transportation network (100 bus lines and 8 tramway lines), provide very high service and operational quality and the VAL line will be smoothly integrated in the dense and historical Torino. The new VAL line will cover 9 km underground with 15 stations, and has a depot and maintenance facility designed and sized for the ultimate line configuration (approximately 25 km and 33 stations). The first section of the Metro line is scheduled to be in revenue service for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, with the entire line being completed by the beginning of 2007. This paper gives an overall description of the Torino metro system, of the specifics of transportation regulations in Italy and focuses on the experience of working closely with the Transportation Authorities to certify the VAL system, the first driverless metro in Italy.