Alstom, the Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail and Rotterdam Rail Feeding (RRF) signed an agreement to perform Automatic Train Operation (ATO) tests in 2018.
The tests should optimise the railway operation, reduce energy consumption and increase ride comfort, providing added value and railway modernisation.
These tests will be performed with a GoA level 2 of automation on the ERTMS equipped Betuweroute. The trains equipped with ATO operate at closer intervals, which increases the capacity of the railway network and allows for reduced energy consumption, because trains operate more uniformly.
The test drive on the Betuweroute will focus on ATO application to freight transport. The purpose of the tests is to perform a live demonstration with a locomotive running in ATO from the Rotterdam Harbour district to CUP Valburg in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The locomotive, provided by RRF, will run approximately 100 km without driver intervention on rail sections equipped with two different ERTMS levels (1 and 2). 
“Automated trains are on the innovation agenda of several countries and Alstom is leading the development of ATO for rail. Alstom’s close collaboration with ProRail and RRF will contribute to support the progress of new technology and create a more attractive, more competitive and more sustainable rail system”, said Gian-Luca Erbacci, Alstom’s Senior Vice President in Europe.
The Betuweroute was equipped by Alstom with the ERTMS 10 years ago which supports automatic operation better than the classic security systems. Automatic shunting movements on the yard of CUP Valburg will also be tested.
Share on:
