Converting a conventional metro line into automated operation: identifying and managing the safety process of the traffic in migration phase

This paper gives a closer look on the subject of the conversion of a conventional metro line into a fully automated operation without interrupting or disturbing the service. In the introduction, we present the Line 1 Automation project as one of the principal aspects of Paris metro´s network modernization plan announced by the Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP). Next we explain why the RATP has decided to equip a Paris existing line for fully automatic operation. Then we give an overview of the present line 1 and illustrate the decision key elements for choosing it as a target of a driverless operation. After that, we detail the feasibility study, present the project risks and explain the present management of the traffic both in case of a conventional line and a driverless one. This section describes the development of line 1 model. In the conclusions we show the results of the present work and finally we expose the outlooks of line 1 automation project.