Benefits of Automatic Train Operation

Railway traffic is experiencing notable growth, but also competition from other modes of transport with considerable technological developments. An alternative for rail is through train operation optimization, both at the management level and at the train level. At the train level, the implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) can be employed. This ATO facilitates efficient operation and serves as a decision-support or decision-making component depending on the level of automation. This study explores the benefits of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology as presented in the literature. Employing thematic content analysis and grounded theory, the study delves into peer-reviewed articles to synthesize knowledge on ATO benefits, including resource optimization, improved passenger experience, operational efficiency, and safety and reliability. These findings will offer valuable insights for stakeholders considering the implementation of ATO technology on non-metro rail lines, potentially encouraging wider adoption of this technology. While ATO also has costs and potential disadvantages, this study focus on benefits mentioned in literature.