Why AGT is the Only System Capable of Fully Automated Unmanned Operation

Why AGT is the Only System Capable

of Fully Automated Unmanned

Operation

The Critical Social Issue of Driver

Shortages in Japan's regional cities,

the difficulty of securing bus drivers

has become a primary cause for the

discontinuation of bus routes. This

shortage of drivers is not limited to

rural areas; it is becoming a severe

issue in major metropolitan areas as

well, posing an urgent social challenge

that could lead to the collapse of the

public transportation networks that

support our daily lives.

A Proven System with a 40-Year

Track Record Automated Guideway

Transit (AGT), which was developed

from the start as a fully automated

unmanned system, has a successful

track record spanning over 40 years.

It is an essential solution for the future

of public transportation as driver

shortages continue to worsen.

Robust Infrastructure Design The

realization of unmanned operation in

AGT is supported by a comprehensive

and robust infrastructure design:

• Dedicated Guideways: 

By completely eliminating railroad

crossings, the system remains free

from interference from other traffic.

• Full-Height Platform Screen Doors: 

High-reaching platform doors

completely prevent unauthorized

access to the guideway.

The Decisive Difference in Emergency

Evacuation Even in systems without

railroad crossings, such as subways

and monorails, achieving fully

unmanned operation remains difficult

under current conditions. This is due

to the legal and safety requirement to

have onboard attendants prepared for

emergencies, such as fires.

In the case of AGT, passengers can

evacuate the vehicle during an

emergency via the door at the front of

the car, Using the built-in stairs

(ladder), they can descend to the

guideway and walk to the nearest

station without the assistance of an

attendant. In contrast, Japanese

monorails generally do not have

evacuation walkways, meaning

passengers must essentially wait for

rescue inside the vehicle. Therefore,

AGT stands as the only system

capable of full automation that can

truly address the problem of driver

shortages.

Conclusion: The Future of Urban

Development AGT is indispensable

when considering the future of public

transportation. As a system that

balances both safety and efficiency,

expectations are high for how AGT will

transform future urban planning.

Stay tuned for the next AGT Blog!