The Observatory of Automated Metros gathers information on all new UTO projects, as well as extensions for current lines in operation, allowing it to offer a projection for growth in the number of kilometres for UTO systems in the coming years. Data are ascribed to the expected opening dates for each project, allowing for a time-spread estimation for the growth.
The Observatory data for new projects highlight a trend for exponential growth in metro automation: in the next 10 years, the growth rate for kilometres of fully automated lines is expected to triple that of the current decade, reaching over 1800 km by 2025.
Figure 15: Growth curve & comparative growth rate for km of UTO in the world
Figure 16 breaks down the data by decades, demonstrating that each decade doubles at least the growth rate in the previous one. In the future, this will increase, reaching 3.5 times the current growth rate.In comparison to today, where 40% of automated metro lines are concentrated in Asia, followed by Europe with 32%, the future graph portrays that Europe and Asia will concentrate in 2025 67% of the world’s automated metro lines, with Europe leading the chart.
Figure 16: Exponential growth relative to previous decade
Geographically, it is relevant to note that between 2014 & 2025 Europe will lead in terms of growth. Asia and Middle East will consolidate their strong presence in the UTO world, while South America, following the success of Sao Paulo, will continue to deploy automated lines. It is also significant to note that Australia will also join the UTO map.
Figure 17: Worldwide growth distribution
(% of new kms for 2014-2025)
The 2025 map of automated metro lines (fig. 19) illustrates clearly the global trend for automation and dynamism of the sector.
2025 map of automated metro lines