As part of the preparations and impact assessment for the next legislative framework governing European partnerships...
Public Consultation: Shape the future of European partnerships
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Automatic Train Operation
Challenge
European railways are expected to accommodate growing demand while improving efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Achieving this without relying solely on new infrastructure requires new approaches to how trains are operated and how existing network capacity is used.
Greater automation offers an opportunity to make train movements more predictable and efficient, but requires advanced technologies capable of supporting safe operations across different railway environments.
The solution
ATO up to GoA4 enables fully automated train operation, including freight, by integrating advanced Technical Enablers such as perception systems, safe train localisaton or automated driving and related functions. These technologies support real‑time, efficient, flexible and high‑precision movement authority.
The solution developed by Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) aims to increase railway capacity, efficiency and sustainability. By enabling scalable automated operation, it aims to boost network capacity, improve punctuality and reliability, reduce operational costs, and support the EU’s wider modal‑shift and sustainability goals.
it also provides an urban light rail (tram) variant, enabling fully autonomous operations in depots according to SAE J3016 Level 5.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
The solution is a prototype composed of several Technical Enablers, which already have been technically tested and demonstrated in different operational scenarios. Additional testing is still required to reach higher maturity levels. Subsets of automated functionalities for specific operational use cases are expected to be available for industrialisation from 2029.
Maturity level
The solution has reached TRL 6 in the various operational scenarios in which it was tested: Shunting and stabling, mainline under ETCS, regional and tram depot.
Expected benefits
- Increased network capacity on existing lines, thanks to the predictability of automated operations.
- Improved punctuality, reliability, and service quality, as automation reduces variability and human‑factor‑related delays.
- Higher productivity of staff, rolling stock and infrastructure through more efficient and predictable operations.
- Improved energy efficiency enabled by optimised and automated driving profiles, contributing to more sustainable rail operations.
- Lower operational costs due to better asset utilisation and reduced inefficiencies.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Final users
Conclusion
By enabling more predictable and flexible automated train operations, ATO can support the more efficient use of existing railway infrastructure and contribute to a smoother and more sustainable travel experience. The combination of ATO with advanced Technical Enablers also supports the long-term competitiveness of the European rail sector, paving the way for a more resilient, efficient and technologically advanced railway system.
Learn more about the project
FP2-R2DATO
To meet the increasing demand for transportation of both passengers and freight, FP2-R2DATO will take the advantages of digitalisation and automation to develop the next generation ATC and deliver scalable digital and automatic (up to autonomous) train operation (DATO) capabilities in order to enhance the capacity of the existing rail networks.