There will be four months of testing between November 2023 and February 2024 for the Automatic Train Operation system in Switzerland, when a remote-controlled train will perform simple shunting for CFF.
In order to achieve this, the state-owned railway company in the Cantons, CFF, have posted a call for tenders seeking a “traction vehicle with specific functionality”. The rail operator wants to hire a train that can be remotely controlled and equipped with “perception sensors”. The package also includes a control unit with at least one camera for remote monitoring.
As part of the tests, it is planned to carry out trials using remote-controlled shunting movements, CFF explained. The train driver will be able to steer the vehicle from outside the driver’s cab in front of a screen. On this occasion, the CFF wants to check whether vehicles can be remotely transported in the event of a breakdown, with verification of European automation standards.
If the tests prove successful, the technology should reduce delays on passenger trains. “Often a disruption has repercussions for staff intervention. If a locomotive repairman cannot be at the scheduled place and time because of a disruption, he cannot do the planned intervention. In certain circumstances, this may cause delays for passengers. If a vehicle could be operated independently of staff intervention, the consequences of the disruption could be limited,” explains SBB spokesman Reto Schärli.
Advantages of introducing Automatic Train Operation system in Switzerland
Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology has been on the radar of railway managers for several years, and numerous projects are underway. ATO assistance systems have the potential to save energy or to run trains without passengers on board.
“For the vast majority of railways in Switzerland, the main goal of automation is to make rail operations more efficient. In the event of danger caused by an obstacle on the line and there are passengers on board the train, the train must be able to warn of this or brake, but as far as possible without false alarms and unnecessary emergency braking,” the Federal Office for Transport said.
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