Véhicule Automatique Léger

'automatic light vehicle') or VAL is a type of driverless (automated), rubber-tyred, medium-capacity rail transport system (people mover).

The name is a backronym, with the first project to use the technology nicknamed VAL after the routing of the line: Villeneuve d'Ascq à Lille (lit.

[citation needed] The VAL system uses a fully automated elevated guideway, which may be metal or concrete depending on prevailing weather conditions.

VAL can cope with unanticipated demand by inserting additional trains into the network as required by remote command from the control center.

[citation needed] The original platform-edge doors were manufactured and installed by PLC Peters in Hayes, Middlesex and were used on the first line.

[citation needed] Since then, this term has begun to be applied on similar capacity transit systems–mainly in Asian cities–even when the systems are not based on VAL's technology.

VAL 206 (right) and VAL 208 (left) as used on Lille Metro .
Interior of VAL 256 with manufacturer's decal.
VAL-style track point as used on the Taipei Wenhu Line .
CityVal for Rennes Metro Line B
VAL 208 cars on the CDGVAL at Paris CDG airport .
VAL 256 cars on Taipei Metro 's Wenhu Line