On 26th April 2024, the city of Qingdao opened the first phase of Metro Line 6, the first fully automated metro line in China. The TACS train control system developed by manufacturer CRRC enables fully automated operation at GoA4 automation level on the 30.8 km line. 29 six-car metro trains of type B1, supplied by CRRC Qingdao Sifang, are being used. With 21 stations, the first phase of metro line 6 connects Shengtaiyuan in the north with Xintun Road in the south and allows transfer options to six other metro lines as well as to High-speed rail (HSR) connections at Qingdao West station. The construction costs totalled around €2.3 billion (CNY 17.9 billion). The second phase of Metro Line 6, which is already under construction, comprises a further 13.9 km and 10 stations from Xintun Road to Qingxi.
