Deliverables: Results Published in September 2026

FP2-R2DATO

D48.5 Test planning execution and analysis of Short-Range Communications (SRC) and Relative Localisation (RL)

FP2 R2DATO tests key technologies for autonomous rail operations by using Short Range Communication (SRC) and Relative Localisation (RL) in real railway conditions. The test campaign took place in Amersfoort (Netherlands) under a real rail environment with overhead lines, side tracks, stabling trains and railway infrastructure.

By the use of Ultra-Wideband system, WP48 evaluates how well trains can exchange data directly and measure distance with high precision. This deliverable includes a detailed description of the tests performed by showing evidence of stable train to train communication up to 250 m with very low packet loss using SRC and RL estimation of distances with an accuracy between ±20 cm and ±80 cm.

These results confirm that the combination of SRC and RL can support safety critical functions such as gap supervision, collision avoidance and dynamic spacing for future concepts like Virtually Coupled Train Sets (VCTS) and Self Driving Freight Wagons (SDFW and by giving evidence that SRC and RL can be integrated into future onboard architectures/systems.

How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: By testing SRC and RL reliably in real rail environments, this deliverable supports the development of safer, more flexible, modern and efficient autonomous rail systems across Europe. It aims also to improve traffic management while enabling new concepts like virtual coupling and self-driving freight wagons.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Railway undertakings, Infrastructure Managers, Member States, Policymakers, National Safety Authorities, Notified Bodies

More information on this topic: FP2-R2DATO

SYMBIOSIS

D2.2 Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building Strategy

SYMBIOSIS seeks to build a community of practice between transport infrastructure, energy distribution and production, and biodiversity, while addressing the role of strategic planning in climate change and building resilient infrastructure. Drawing on a Learning Needs Assessment with project stakeholders, this report details the methodology and key findings of this assessment, identifies priority audiences and trainers, and outlines planned training formats and activities. These activities include capacity-building initiatives in Europe and Africa and the creation of the Knowledge Hub. The report concludes with next steps for implementing the strategy throughout the remainder of the project.

How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: Integrating project outputs into training activities and the Knowledge and Learning Hub directly connects knowledge generation and transfer, strengthening capacity building and supporting tangible implementation outcomes. This strategy is expected to enable more effective, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure planning, development, and operation.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Policymakers, Member States.

D3.1 Impact Assessment Tools for Linear Infrastructures

SYMBIOSIS aims at integrating biodiversity throughout the lifecycle of railway infrastructure projects, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to create sustainable and resilient infrastructure, while contributing to a unified European biodiversity baseline. This report presents two main analyses. The first is a systematic literature review of over 100 case studies published between 2021 and 2024, assessing how current methods address ecological and biodiversity impacts throughout the transport infrastructure lifecycle. The second is a structured expert consultation using a three-round Delphi study with railway professionals from seven European countries, identifying institutional, operational, and governance barriers to implementing available tools. The report concludes that effective biodiversity integration tools must align with the institutional and financial realities of the organisations that will use them, rather than focusing solely on methodological ideals.

How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: This report offers key insights for developing integrated, transparent, and comparable tools to incorporate ecological and biodiversity considerations into linear infrastructure planning and decision-making. It highlights the importance of strong environmental assessment in improving stakeholder engagement and supporting evidence-based transport policy across Europe, in line with the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Policymakers, Member States.

More information on this topics: SYMBIOSIS

FP1-MOTIONAL

D8.2 Developed methods and models for evaluating feedback loops between planning and operations

The overall objective was to develop and improve railway traffic simulation methods and models to improve feedback loops between planning and operations. With better modelling of the traffic, one can achieve more reliable and effective evaluation of capacity and punctuality, which can be used to increase the quality of the plan. The deliverable includes:
• Presentation of PROTON, a simulation tool usable for large networks. PROTON is demonstrated for a large Swedish case and calibrated and validated with real-world disturbance data.
• Method for calibration and validation of simulation models.
• Improved method for processing historical data to create delay distributions, including small disturbances and calibration of background noise.
• Introduction of a simulation tool for improved feedback between crew plan and operation. With this tool, it is possible to simulate the combination of a timetable, rolling stock and crew to evaluate the robustness of a crew plan.
• A simulation tool that can be used to evaluate different infrastructure layouts and timetables. The goal is to improve a timetable based on feedback loop between C-DAS data and simulation tool/TMS.

How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: The work done in this field is a key pillar to increasing capacity and improving overall rail traffic management performance.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Policymakers, Member States.

D8.3 Developed simulation methods and models for capacity evaluation of ETCS and C-DAS/ATO

The objective of this deliverable was to develop simulation methods and models for capacity evaluation of ETCS and C-DAS / ATO. It also included the enhanced TMS-functionality and Next Generation Brakes as DATO (Digital and Automatic Train Operation) techniques to be researched. This report describes the developed simulation methods as well as accompanying planned simulation scenarios.

How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: The work done in this field is a key pillar to increasing capacity and improving overall rail traffic management performance.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Policymakers, Member States.

More information on this topic: FP1-MOTIONAL