ATC (Automatic Train Control) System

ATC was first introduced in 1961 in a Tokyo subway line for continuous brake control by sending information from the ground equipment. Three years later, when the Tokaido Shinkansen started operation, ATC played an indispensable role for making high-speed operation into reality. Now, ATC is used both for high-speed trains and urban transit line with high operational density.
The current ATC system detects train position through track circuit and transmits signal from the ground. In order to secure high reliability, the system employs 2-out-of-3 redundant system configurations.

• *Note: In some countries, 'ATC' here is also called 'ATP (Automatic Train Protection)'.