The FP2-R2DATO project, led by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, is advancing automated and autonomous tram and train technologies to make rail operations safer, more efficient, and sustainable. UITP member Sporveien Trikken contributes its expertise from Oslo’s tram network, focusing on depot automation while ensuring safety and cybersecurity. A recent interview with Dusan Klago highlights how these efforts integrate with the broader European R2DATO objectives.

Link: https://www.uitp.org/news/interview-with-dusan-klago-on-the-goals-and-achievements-of-the-r2dato-project/

Cost of railway capacity expansions in Norway as input to evaluation of Economic Feasibility of Automatic Train Operation
The paper compares infrastructure upgrades and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) for improving rail capacity and punctuality. Using KPIs and Norwegian case studies, it finds that infrastructure is more cost-effective for major capacity increases, while ATO is better for punctuality and efficiency gains in busy corridors. The study concludes that both solutions are complementary and calls for more research on ATO costs and broader benefits.

Two trains can now run digitally connected at just 15 to 80 meters apart, thanks to a new radio system for virtual coupling developed by the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation within the FP2-R2DATO project. This technology enables continuous data exchange on position and speed, representing a major step toward automated rail transport. It was successfully tested in spring 2025 at the Dutch state railway’s test site in Amersfoort, Netherlands.

Link: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2025/dlr-tests-virtual-coupling-system-in-the-real-world

7th SmartRaCon: Self-Driving Freight Wagon (SDFW) state of art and use case list

7th SmartRaCon: Test of IEEE802.15.4 for Train-to-Train Short Range Communication and Relative Localization

7th SmartRaCon: Use Cases Development for Automated Functions in Autonomous Rail Inspection Vehicles

The Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking is working toward a harmonised and more efficient European railway system through automation and digitalisation. Within FP2 R2DATO, several industry partners (Hitachi, Alstom, DB, SBB, ÖBB, etc.) are developing a demonstrator for a future traffic control and supervision system based on a new geometric, train-oriented safety logic. Unlike today’s fixed-point-based safety systems (signals, marker boards), this approach authorizes train movements dynamically, without predefined points, simplifying planning, reducing engineering effort, and potentially increasing capacity. The system also allows multiple trains to use the same track circuit when integrity monitoring is available.

The demonstrator, tested at DB’s digital testbed in the Ore Mountains (Germany), is built around three components: a digital register (data storage/distribution), a plan execution system (converting timetables into movement requests), and the European Trackside Protection System (safety core granting or rejecting movement permissions). Hitachi provides the plan execution system and and the European Trackside Protection System.

Both simulation and field tests are used. Simulation enables early, cost-efficient, and automated testing, while field tests validate functionalities that cannot be simulated, such as real-world radio communication (FMRCS) and switch control. Two test vehicles equipped with ETCS onboard units are used.

The results demonstrate that the new architecture and safety logic work reliably in real-world conditions and can increase capacity by enabling operations at absolute braking distances, contributing to a more efficient and modern European railway system.

The EU-funded FP2-R2DATO project is developing remote-operated and fully autonomous train technologies to make European railways greener, safer and more efficient. Partners from 12 countries are testing digital systems that improve capacity and streamline operations without building new infrastructure.

Trials in Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland have successfully demonstrated remote-driven trams and trains. The next step involves fully autonomous operations using an advanced perception system—the “eyes of the train”—to detect obstacles and make driving decisions.

The project also aims to harmonise Europe’s fragmented railway systems to enable smooth cross-border travel. Researchers are testing innovations such as Moving Block technology, which increases network capacity by allowing trains to run closer together, and satellite-based positioning to enhance rail safety systems like ERTMS.

Supported by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, these developments are expected to transform European railways over the next decade, making rail transport more reliable, efficient and sustainable.

Link of Horizon Europe Article: On the right track: driving innovation in European rail travel | Horizon Magazine

ERTMS in the Nordic Countries

ERTMS as enabler for future improvements

28 August 2025

Presented by Léa Paties

The 1^st International Symposium on Software Fault Prevention, Verification, and Validation

2 ~ 3 December 2024 – Hiroshima, Japan

This paper introduces SafePAM (Safety Promise Assessment Method), an iterative method to formally model cooperation and conditional dependencies between interdependent subsystems in railway safety. It builds on STPA (a system-theoretic hazard analysis) and uses promise theory to better reflect real-world conditions. Unlike traditional methods, SafePAM allows conditional dependencies without assuming independence. A railway case study shows how this approach helps connect domain-specific knowledge with system behavior, enabling better validation by experts and maintaining overall system safety.

This first newsletter brings together all the latest updates from the project.

For your information, a new edition will be published ahead of each SIPB meeting to share progress and key developments.