AUTOMATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF METROS IN THE PARADIGM OF URBAN MOBILITY: GLOBAL EXPERIENCE AND UKRAINIAN REALITIES
Abstract
The article examines the problems of automation and energy efficiency improvement of metro systems in the context of urban mobility development. The relevance of the study is determined by rising energy costs, the need to optimize operating expenses, and the growing importance of sustainable public transport systems in large cities. The paper analyzes the global experience of implementing automated train control systems and identifies the main economic effects of metro automation. It is substantiated that automation should be considered not only as a technological modernization tool but also as an important factor in improving the economic efficiency of urban transport systems. Automated traffic management systems contribute to reducing electricity consumption, improving traffic regularity, increasing line capacity, and optimizing the use of transport infrastructure. Special attention is paid to the role of metro systems within the paradigm of urban mobility economics. It is established that metro systems influence labor mobility, accessibility of economic activity, and the quality of life of the population. Therefore, the efficiency of metro systems should be assessed not only through technical indicators but also through their broader socio-economic impact on urban development. The study also investigates current trends in transport digitalization and integrated mobility systems. It is shown that leading metropolitan systems increasingly combine automation technologies with sustainable mobility strategies aimed at reducing dependence on private cars and improving environmental sustainability. Particular attention is devoted to the Ukrainian context. The paper identifies the key challenges faced by Ukrainian metros, including infrastructure deterioration, high energy intensity, limited investment resources, and the consequences of economic instability. It is substantiated that gradual implementation of digital dispatching systems, automated traffic control, and energy monitoring technologies may become a realistic direction for the modernization of Ukrainian metro systems and improvement of their economic efficiency.
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