Trust in the Automatic Train Supervision System and Its Effects on Subway Dispatchers’ Operational Behavior

The evolution of Fully Automatic Operation (FAO) subway control systems has increased the importance of dispatchers’ trust in automation. This study focuses on the dynamics of trust formation among Chinese subway dispatchers and its downstream effects on their reliance behavior. Through the structural equation modeling of questionnaire data, we identify key factors influencing trust and its operational implications. Interface transparency and system capability redundancy directly strengthen trust, while dispatchers’ system knowledge indirectly shapes trust through interface interpretation. Trust strongly correlates with reliance behavior during routine monitoring, which in turn significantly influences reliance behavior in emergencies. Two mediation pathways approaching significance suggest that both capability redundancy and trust may influence emergency reliance behavior through routine reliance behavior. This implies that frequent daily use of automation systems enhances dispatchers’ understanding of system reliability. Our findings underscore the need for transparent interface design, adaptive redundancy strategies, and training programs that bridge system knowledge with operational practices to enhance both trust and scenario-specific reliance. Practical recommendations include designing user-friendly interfaces, implementing adaptive redundancy, and developing targeted training programs to improve dispatchers’ system knowledge and operational efficiency.