Switzerland: A fleet of ten Stadler Tramlink tram-trains has been operating in GoA2 mode since January on the 13 km Waldenburgerbahn narrow-gauge line. Switzerland’s Federal Transport Office (FOT) first approved the rolling stock for semi-automated operation.
Stadler also implemented the motion automation using the NOVA Pro system with radio-based CBTC control. It enables the tram-trains to automatically start, accelerate and brake, while the driver remains on board and intervenes if needed.
Tramlink tram-train from Stadler on the narrow-gauge line of Waldenburgerbahn. Source: Frédéric Monard/linkedin
The Waldenburgerbahn was completely rebuilt by operator BLT between 2021 and 2022, increasing the gauge from 750 mm to 1,000 mm. The project received ten seven-section Stadler Tramlink tram-trains and signalling systems.
By year-end, the manufacturer plans to deploy highly automated operation, GoA4, at BLT’s new Basel depot. Full GoA4 automation on the Waldenburgerbahn itself is targeted for 2030.
