Guangzhou unveils two new metro lines with highest automation technology

Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, will open two new metro lines featuring the highest level of automation on Sunday, the city's metro operator said.

GoA4, also known as the Grade of Automation 4, refers to the highest level of automation in railway operations.

Line 10, equipped with Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) — the most advanced level of fully automated train operation — will begin service on the same day. GoA4 allows trains to operate without any onboard staff and supports automatic train functions including entry, departure and sleep-wake switching.

The new line, spanning 19.3 kilometers with 13 stations, serves as the densification line for the city's central areas of Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu and Liwan districts, further enhancing the urban rail transit network in the city's downtown areas.

The initial opening of the new line will be from Xilang to Yangji East stations, covering a distance of 17.2 kilometers with 12 stations, including five transfer stations, according to the Guangzhou Metro Group.

Meanwhile, another new line, the Line 12, traversing the city from southeast to northwest with a distance of 37.6 kilometers, will also open its service on Sunday, the metro company said.

Both lines will jointly form the "X" diagonal backbone of the urban rail transit network in Guangzhou.

The operation of these two new lines will provide a more convenient travel environment for local residents and spectators during the upcoming 15th National Games and the 9th Special Olympics, which is scheduled to open late this year in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Two new metro lines, the Line 10 and the Line 12, will open services to passengers in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Sunday.