Drive system and control method of train

In a drive system for a train with plural vehicles coupled together, each of the vehicles (1) includes: an engine (2); a generator (3) that is driven by the engine; a converter (4) that converts alternating current from the generator into direct current; an inverter (5) that converts direct current from the converter into variable voltage, variable frequency alternating current; an auxiliary power (7) unit that is connected in parallel with an output of the converter (4) to supply direct current to auxiliary equipment including an air conditioner; and at least one or more AC electric motors (8) that are driven by the inverter (5). The drive system is configured to individually control start/stop, rotational speed, or output of the engines mounted on the plural vehicles and change in a specific order the start/stop, rotational speed, or output of the engines mounted on the plural vehicles.