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'Automatic train operation' (ATO) ensures partial or complete automatic train piloting and driverless functions.
One of the earliest examples of ATO was on the Victoria line of the London Underground, opened in 1968. The ATO system performs all functions of the driver except for the closing of the doors. The driver only needs to press two buttons to close the doors and if the way is clear, then the train will automatically proceed to the next station. Many newer systems are now computer-controlled, including London's Docklands Light Railway, the Central Line, Line 14 of the Paris Métro, Line 2 and 5 of the Barcelona's Underground, the Washington D.C. metro, Hong Kong MTR, West Rail, Ma On Shan Rail, Manila Light Rail Transit System, Singapore MRT, Tokyo Metro Namboku line and a number of ART- and VAL-based systems.
Most systems elect to maintain a driver (train operator) to mitigate risks associated with failures or emergencies.
Many modern systems are linked with Automatic Train Control (ATC) where normal signaller operations such as route setting and train regulation are carried out by the system. The ATO and ATC systems will work together to maintain a train within a defined tolerance of its timetable. The combined system will marginally adjust operating parameters such as the ratio of power to coast when moving and station dwell time, in order to bring a train back to the timetable slot defined for it.
Many railways are planning on using ATO in the future. ATO will be introduced on the London Underground's Northern line in 2011 and on the Jubilee line in 2009. ATO may also be used on the future crossrail. ATO has not yet been implemented on any UK mainline railways.