Guiyang Metro S1 Line boosts capacity with new timetable

On Feb 10, Guiyang Metro's S1 Line implemented a new operational timetable, reducing train intervals to 7 minutes and 50 seconds – 1 minute and 30 seconds shorter than before. The move increases overall capacity by 19.3 percent and significantly shortens passenger wait times.

The Guiyang Metro S1 Line's train. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

As a vital link between Guiyang City and Gui'an New Area's main urban areas, S1 Line has continued to set new operational records, safely transporting 1.12 million passengers to date. With rising ridership driven by growing industrial parks and residential communities, rush-hour demand has surged. Data analysis identified 7:00-9:00 am and 5:00-7:00 pm as critical time slots requiring capacity upgrades.

The latest adjustments follow a dual approach: expanding hardware capacity by adding two new trainsets and optimizing 22 key operational parameters via an intelligent dispatch system. Simulation tests show that rush-hour capacity has now reached 4,200 passengers per hour per direction, while off-peak comfort levels have improved by 15 percent.

"This timetable update is not the end, but a new beginning for service upgrades," said a spokesperson from Guiyang Metro's Passenger Operations Department. The team has introduced a three-pronged service enhancement mechanism, integrating real-time passenger flow monitoring, a digital feedback system, and quarterly network assessments. Upcoming improvements include smart station navigation, temperature-controlled carriages, and other passenger-friendly initiatives, set for rollout by mid-2025.

Notably, these capacity gains come at no extra operational cost. Thanks to energy-efficient driving modes and optimized regenerative braking systems, the new schedule is projected to reduce overall energy consumption by 8 to 10 percent, enhancing services and environmental-friendliness.