This systematic review of studies across transport sectors shows that successful transitions to automated operations depend mainly on organizational and human factors rather than technology alone. The main barriers are system complexity, poor adoption, and stakeholder misalignment, while strong stakeholder involvement and support tools are key enablers—highlighting that human and managerial alignment is critical for automation success in rail.

This paper compares the economic feasibility of traditional rail infrastructure investments and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) as solutions to improve rail capacity, punctuality, and efficiency. Using a KPI-based framework applied to Norwegian case studies, it finds that infrastructure projects are generally more cost-effective for significant capacity increases, while ATO offers better value for improving punctuality and operational efficiency, especially on busy corridors. The study concludes that infrastructure and ATO should be considered complementary approaches, with infrastructure enabling capacity growth and ATO enhancing reliability and performance.

A European survey (519 participants, 23 countries) shows moderate support for autonomous trains, with most people preferring partial automation (GoA2–GoA3) rather than full automation (GoA4). Support depends on reliability, human oversight, and clear cybersecurity information, and varies by region.

Final Event:

3rd & 4th of June 2026

Prague – CZECH REPUBLIC

Schedule for the two-day final event.

Date: 14-15 October 2026

Location: Université Gustave Eiffel, Campus de Lille – Villeneuve d’Ascq – France

The submission for this years SmartRaCon Conference is now open. Please consult the submission template and guidelines before preparing your contribution

7th SmartRaCon: CEIT’s Multiconnectivity Platform Laboratory Setup

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