Technology for New Urban Rail Transit

There are 1,400 kilometers of rail transit service in operation in China by the end of 2010.This number will increase to 3,000 kilometers during the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.Studies on urban rail transit technology can help the industry development,innovation for better facility designs,and reduction in construction and operating costs.This paper summarizes the research developments of new technology in six aspects related to urban rail transit:policy guidance and implementation,urban rail transit planning theory and technology,national and industrial standards,communication-based train operation control and its application,low-to-median speed maglev system,and low-floor light rail vehicles system.Finally,the paper provides a few suggestions on urban rail transit planning and construction during the National Twelfth Five-Year Plan based on the experience and lessons from urban rail transit planning,construction,and operation during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan.