Published13. September 2023, 08:09
Bern–Solothurn: A fully automated train is running in Switzerland for the first time
The Bern-Solothurn regional transport (RBS) is planning driverless train journeys. Autonomous trains that are currently being tested are initially only intended for journeys without passengers.
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The RBS has developed its own system called eCAB for self-driving trains. (symbol image)
Adrian Moser/Tamedia AG
Test drives without any personnel will begin in October. (symbol image)
20min/Simon Glauser
The goal is to achieve more traffic performance with the existing staff. (symbol image)
Adrian Moser/Tamedia AG
That’s what it’s about
The Bern-Solothurn regional transport (RBS) is testing autonomous trains.
The trips are intended to enable more traffic with the existing staff.
Automated trips are intended, for example, in depot areas or for unproductive empty trips.
It sounds like a dream of the future, but it will soon become reality: the Bern-Solothurn regional transport company (RBS) is planning to use staffless trains. He is currently carrying out test drives for this purpose. The aim of the tests is initially to be able to carry out empty runs on the route to the turning track in Bätterkinden BE fully automated. In this section the trains run without passengers and are therefore perfect for the program.
Clarifications and studies
The RBS has developed its own system called eCAB for the self-driving trains, which relies on various data to enable journeys without staff on the train. The test drives at the highest level of automation – meaning there are no longer any personnel present – are scheduled to start in the second week of October. Extensive clarifications and studies were carried out in advance to ensure technical feasibility and the required level of safety.
The aim of the system is to provide more transport performance with the same number of train drivers. The RBS hopes to be able to carry out regular automated empty trips with the new system in 2025. For the test drives, an RBS train composition is equipped with a computer, an interface card, additional relays and a GPS receiver. The eCAB system can be activated and deactivated using a switch, so that the train can also run in conventional operation.
Test drives with a train driver
For the time being, a train driver is always present during the test drives. Otherwise, a special permit from the Federal Office of Transport would be required. The trial operation will take place in three stages, with the train being able to drive completely independently in the third stage.
To ensure safety, various measures have been taken. This includes selective speed reductions, a warning for waiting passengers and fencing of open track sections. It is also being examined whether spatial monitoring of the level crossing between Bätterkinden and the turning track is necessary. The RBS is supported by the Public Transport Association in this project, as findings and conclusions are expected for the entire industry.
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2023-09-13 06:17:22
#BernSolothurn #RBS #testing #autonomous #trains
