ATO
Automatic Train Operation
A train control function that automates some or all aspects of train driving, including acceleration, speed regulation, braking and station stopping.
Detailed explanation
Automatic Train Operation (ATO) is a train control function used to automate train-driving activities while operating within the safety constraints imposed by the train protection system.
ATO can control functions such as train acceleration, cruising speed, braking, accurate stopping at stations and, depending on the level of automation, door operation and train departure.
ATO is commonly integrated with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), which provides the safety-critical supervision of train movement. Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) may provide higher-level operational functions such as timetable regulation, route management and service control.
The extent of automation depends on the system’s Grade of Automation (GoA). Lower automation levels retain significant driver involvement, while GoA4 systems support unattended train operation.
ATO is widely used on metro and urban rail systems and is increasingly being applied to mainline railways to improve operational consistency, capacity, energy efficiency and timetable performance.
Railway applications
mainline, high_speed, metro, light_rail, freight, depot
Standards and references
IEC 62290 series; IEC 62267; applicable signalling, train control and railway automation standards