Safe and reliable automatic train control is a primary consideration for any advanced rail transit system.This paper introduces the characteristic model-based modeling method into ATC system and develops an all-coefficient adaptive control.Two characteristic models,namely speed characteristic model and position characteristic model,are established for analyzing both train traction and cruising dynamical characteristics.Control strategies are proposed using single speed feedback and speed/position bi-feedback.Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategies,showing that control objective and required dynamic performance are well satisfied.Moreover,the system shows robustness against time-varying model uncertainties and unknown operational environment dynamics. Safe and reliable automatic train control is a primary consideration for any advanced rail transit system. This paper introduces the characteristic model-based modeling method into ATC system and develops an all-coefficient adaptive control. Two characteristic models, of speed characteristic model and position characteristic models, are established for analyzing both train traction and cruising dynamical characteristics. Control strategies are proposed using single speed feedback and speed / position bi-feedback. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategies, showing that control objective and required dynamic performance are well satisfied. Moreover, the system shows robustness against time-varying model uncertainties and unknown operational environment dynamics.