Currently, there are train attendants on board each train. In the future, trains will operate fully driverless GoA4 mode when sufficient reliability from the signaling system has been confirmed.[7]
The service between Wanqingsha and Xiancun was opened on 28 September 2021. There are 2 distinct stopping patterns operating, facilitated by passing loops at select stations, a local all stop service and an express service stopping only at Hengli and Panyu Square. The local service will take only 37 minutes from Wanqingsha to XIancun, and the express service is even shortened by 7 minutes.[9]
An extension is planned that would see the line extended to Zhongshan and Zhuhai. This extension is also known as "Nansha to Zhuhai (Zhongshan) intercity" (Chinese: 南沙至珠海（中山）城际) or "Nanzhongzhu intercity" (Chinese: 南中珠城际). Construction on the southwestern extension to Zhongshan started on 30 March 2023.[13] The Zhuhai extension is still under planning.
Line 18 and Line 22 were originally planned as long-term projects, but the desire to promote development of the Nansha Free Trade Zone fast tracked the project for construction. Line 18 will be designed as an express line to provide a rapid transit link between Nansha District and the central urban area of Guangzhou. The planned travel time between Nansha Free Trade Zone and central Guangzhou is proposed to be 30 minutes.[17][18]
The government received a number of requests from the public to increase the number of stations along the line. In particular a station at Tianhe Sports Center allowing from interchange with Line 1[19] and a station at Yuwotou Town.[20] The planners rejected the suggestions to maintain the line's wide stop spacing to allow for the target of 30 minute travel time Nansha and central Guangzhou. Together with the planned Line 26 along Guangzhou Avenue, Line 18 is expected to provide some relief to Line 3.
Line 18 uses 8 car Type D urban express trains with a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), which is currently the fastest subway line in mainland China. The trains are manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive with the first train was officially delivered on September 25, 2020.[21] Initially upon opening, 15 trains were put into operation.[22] Line 18 is the first line of Guangzhou Metro to introduce different thermostat settings in each car and set up first class cars. In the future, differentiated charges will be implemented to meet the needs of different passengers.[11]
