OREANDA-NEWS. The Moscow Metro is testing operation of trains in the semi-automatic mode. This information was received from the Moscow Agency, which was quoting Deputy Chief of the Metro, Dmitry Doschatov.

According to him, one train, which operates in the semi-automatic mode, is being tested at the Koltsevaya Line. So far, the train carries no passengers.

Controlling a semi-automatic train requires the presence of a driver in the cabin. However, the driver's workload is significantly decreased, since most of the operations are automated. According to the Metro Deputy Chief, the driver starts the train and is responsible for opening and closing of doors.

"As of today, the trial operation of this train is coming to an end. If the Commission decides that this experience was a positive one, we will refine it and implement it in a broader scale at the Koltsevaya Line," said Dmitry Dotschatov.

According to the head of the Metro, Dmitry Pegov, new trains will also utilize a movement interlock system. It will prevent the train from moving, if one of the passengers is stuck in the doorway. He noted that operating the trains in the automatic mode will not only facilitate the work of the driver, but also shorten the interval between the scheduled trains.

The Metro Chief explained that so far, only the semi-automatic mode is being considered. "In order to operate trains in the automatic mode, we must have the entire infrastructure of the line ready for it, not just trains," he said.

As previously reported, the software that enables semi-automatic operation of the Metro trains, was developed in the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, which is a part of KRET. By 2016, the Metro leadership plans to install the software on all subway trains.