The Virtual track train (VTT) has been put into commercial operation as a new type of urban rail transport in China in recent years. To further understand VTT's operational performance, it is essential to develop a specific driving simulation platform to simulate VTT's unique hybrid autonomous/manual driving mode. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: First, a vehicle system dynamics (VSD) model of VTT was established using SIMPACK. Additionally, the control module for simulating the hybrid autonomous/manual driving mode of VTT was developed based on model predictive control and Logitech driving simulation hardware. Furthermore, a driving scene visualization interface was established using Unreal Engine and Blender to simulate the real driving environment. These components form a comprehensive simulation platform for the VTT. Simulation results demonstrate that the developed platform can effectively and accurately simulate the operational performance of the VTT under various driving modes, highlighting its significant engineering value.

To improve the inspection level of Beijing Subway interval facilities, and achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement, the inspection basis of interval facilities was clarified based on the national standard, industry method, local standard and enterprise standard. The automatic inspection equipment and way of inspection of Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. Ltd. were discussed. The functional parameters, advantages and disadvantages of typical comprehensive inspection equipment were compared and analyzed. The comprehensive inspection mode of Beijing Subway interval facilities was presented. The results indicate that the enterprise standard can cover the inspection contents and inspection cycles in the national standard, industry method and local standard. The comprehensive detection vehicle is suitable for dynamic inspection, while the comprehensive detection car is suitable for static inspection, both of which are far superior to the handheld equipment. The onboard detection equipment is mainly used for routine inspection. The comprehensive detection vehicle and the comprehensive detection cars combined with the existing professional detection equipment are mainly used for scheduled inspection. The fixed monitoring system and the handheld equipment are mainly used for special inspection. The comprehensive inspection should be implemented by leasing service in the short term, and by purchasing equipment in the long term. This study can serve as a reference for promoting intelligent operation and maintenance of urban rail transit infrastructure.

This paper investigates potential applications of quantum communication technology in urban rail transit information systems, addressing current and emerging security challenges. Based on existing information system architectures in urban rail transit, we leverage the advantages of quantum key distribution networks for cryptographic applications and data security protection. The paper proposes integration strategies across multiple dimensions including secure computing environments, data storage, and data transmission. We specifically examine how quantum communication technology can enhance data security in computing environments, transmission processes, and storage systems. This research provides a framework for future applications of quantum communication technology in urban rail transit information systems.

During longterm operation, the cooling system's heatsink intake can become clogged with environmental impurities and dust, reducing cooling airflow and affecting thermal dissipation efficiency. This can lead to overheating faults in the power converter, significantly reducing its operational reliability. To address the issue of dust blockage in the aircooled system, which can cause overheating faults in rail transit power converters, a realtime online monitoring method for the cooling system's thermal dissipation state is proposed. This method uses the thermal resistance of the heatsink, extracted from the power device and heatsink cooling curves, as a characteristic parameter. The GaussNewton iterative method is employed to extract these parameters, which are used to identify the degree of blockage and achieve online monitoring of the cooling system's thermal dissipation state. Simulation and experimental results validate that the proposed method effectively monitors the cooling system's operational state, demonstrating superior detection efficiency and effectiveness compared to traditional blockage detection methods.

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of embedded rail technology implementation in existing metro line renovation through the case study of Xiaogang Station. The research examines the technical challenges, innovative solutions, and construction methodology employed in this pioneering project. The construction background, distinctive features, construction procedures, and solutions to the construction challenges encountered are introduced in detail. By comparing the preand postrenovation vibration, noise and Track Quality Index (TQI) on track, along with the monitoring of the postrenovation track condition, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of embedded rail track renovation in enhancing the performance of existing lines. The results indicate that this technology can significantly improve the vibration and noise reduction performance of the line while ensuring the continuity and safety of existing line operations.

With reference to internationally recognized statistical, urban rail transit is categorized into three major types, namely metro, light rail and tram. This analysis reviews the current status of urban rail transit operations worldwide. The findings show that by the end of 2024, 562 cities in 79 countries and regions around the world have opened urban rail transit systems, with a total length of more than 44,730.14 km. Subways, light rails, and streetcars each account for 51.24%, 10.43% and 38.34%, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, 65 cities in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) have operational rail transit systems, with an operating length of 12,844.57 km, of which the operating length in Chinese mainland is 12,168.77 km. In 2023, the metros of 188 cities in 59 countries around the world transported a total of 713.78 million passengers, with an average daily load of 0.85 million trips per kilometer. In China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), metro systems carried 31.81 billion trips annually. China's urban rail transit continues to grow steadily, with the size of its network and passenger volume ranking first globally. Additionally, 233 cities in 54 countries and regions have opened suburban railways, totaling 64,195.23 km, with 21 cities in China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) operating 2,974.40 km of suburban railways. An analysis of the scale and development of rail networks in key countries suggests that the construction of suburban railways in China, as well as the interconnection of different networks, holds significant potential.

By the end of 2024, a total of 28 provinces and 58 cities in Chinese mainland have opened 362 urban rail transit lines, covering a total length of 12,168.77 km, including 9,281.37 km of subway lines, accounting for 76.27%. By the end of the statistical period, 1,486.01 km of Fully Automated Operation (FAO) lines have been opened, representing 12.21% of the total length of operational lines. In 2024, 51 new urban rail transit lines (sections) were added, with a total length of 953.04 km, including 738.26 km of new metro lines and 425.70 km of new FAO lines, all of which were classified as GoA4. It is expected that by the end of the 14th FiveYear Plan period, the total operating scale of urban rail transit in mainland China will exceed 13,200 km. It is estimated that the annual passenger volume at the end of the 14th FiveYear Plan period will double compared to the end of the 13th FiveYear Plan period.

To promote the quality and efficiency of inventory areas in metropolitans, urban renewal of transit station areas in cityn centers presents an urgent challenge. By incorporating the Quality dimension into the traditional NodePlace model to indicate the perception of spatial environment, this study constructs the NodePlaceQuality Rubik's Cube state model to assess the renewal potentialof transit station areas in the downtown. Using Tianjin's central area as a case study, the modeling results show that the proportion of dependent and imbalanced types of transit station area is as high as 35.49% and 38.71%, respectively, while balanced and coordinated types account for 22.58% and 3.22%, respectively. The transit station areas with high renewal potential are concentrated in the edge of the Inner Ring of Tianjin, and the renewal potential of transit station under construction is also relatively high, while the transit station areas with low renewal potential are agglomerated in the central business district (CBD). These findings provide theoretical support and policy insights for the urban renewal in the transit station area in the metropolitan's downtown.

As urban space becomes more complex through rail transit interconnectivity, this study investigates how to improve the spatial efficiency of metropolitan areas. Firstly, this article analyzes the research characteristics and shortcomings of synergy mode between interconnecting rail transit network and urban space through bibliometric methods. Secondly, by incorporating the concepts of networks and mobility into theoretical research and using multilevel network efficiency as the starting point, this study examines the key factors in synergistic development of network structure and function between rail transit and urban space. Based on this analysis, the Interconnection 2.0 model for synergistic development between rail transit and urban space is proposed, with the synergy relationship strengthened through network structure connectivity, network nodes, and element flow. Finally, combined with case analysis, this paper prospects the future development direction of interconnection at a higher stage in China. Theoretically, the study focuses on network hierarchy and nodality as well as the interaction between flows. In practice it provideds improves recommendations for improving the network connectivity and coupling of multilevel rail transit hubs. The research results provide a reference framework for the theory and practice of synergistic development between rail transit and urban space.

Addressing the compatibility issues of platform screen door (PSD) systems across different lines and vehicle types within the context of "fournetwork integration," this study innovatively proposes a design scheme for an adaptive PSD system, encompassing comprehensive solutions such as improving mechanical structures, optimizing control system algorithms, enhancing intelligence levels, and bolstering gap detection system capabilities. These solutions aim to elevate the flexibility and safety of PSD systems, thereby better accommodating the needs of diverse vehicle types and operational modes. By facilitating the adaptability to multiple vehicle types, they contribute to reducing station sizes and lowering construction costs for urban rail transit. This research provides valuable reference and insights for the upgrading of PSD systems under the backdrop of "fournetwork integration" in urban rail transit. By optimizing the design and functionality of PSD systems, it can effectively mitigate the impact of multiple vehicle types on PSD systems, further facilitating the smooth implementation of "fournetwork integration."