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.