French Train Engineering Giant Alstom Testing Automated Freight Train (bbc.com)

French train engineering giant Alstom is to test automated freight trains in the Netherlands this year. From a report: The automated train prototype can travel for about 100km (60 miles) without driver intervention. Automation will free the train driver to focus on supervising the train's progress. The test's purpose is to provide a live demonstration that the train and the signal system can communicate effectively to drive the train. Alstom signed an agreement with the the Dutch infrastructure operator ProRail and Rotterdam Rail Feeding (RRF) to carry out the tests along the Betuweroute -- a 150km double track freight railway line connecting Rotterdam to Germany.

Comments

Re:Surprising...

[tlhIngan]

I'm finding it hard to believe that this technology has not been available for a long time. Of course the system requites installation of the signaling systems. Here in the United States, major freight carriers have chaffed at even installing modern safety systems (The more we learn about Amtrak derailment the stranger it gets). But then again, those are "non-revenue generating" while this certainly has the potential. But also remember that unions have a say in manning. Again here in the US, unions fought tooth and nail when rail companies got rid of the caboose.

At the commuter train/LRT level, there are many systems that are completely automated - no drivers at all. Granted, the switching isn't too complex, but they can be commanded to switch tracks and manage themselves with supervision done at a central control station.

Operating at the full size train level is only a slightly more complex problem, mostly because now the tracks are owned by many people and you really need to get them all to install a common communication an d signalling system. (Right now trains can be monitored remotely).

The problem with Amtrak is also been solved - the technology has long existed and it's nowadays called Positive Control. The train will periodically beep and the driver has to hit a button. If the driver fails to hit the button, the train is brought to a stop automatically. This helps catch distracted and sleepy drivers.

Even speed limit enforcement has been automated away - if the train is coming too fast for the speed limit, the train automatically slows down. The unions generally hate this as it reduces the driver to a monkey. OTOH, the safety record of these systems is quite stellar, and most rail lines only experience it once before the system is rolled out on all the rolling stock.

Though, the Shinkasen drivers of Japan, where they not only have these systems in place but also very rigorous protocols and how they act (they lift their arms up as if to salute, then point at the control they are going to adjust, then adjust it - it looks like part of a military march) don't seem to be monkeying around, but seem to be very professional about it. Even though there is speed limit enforcement, they still can control the speed of the train, and still can get the train to be within a minute of the stated arrival time, even if weather conditions make it so the train has to slow down (it snows in Japan, too, and the trains have to operate in it at reduced speeds).