Netherlands: CAF said they had completed a five-year test programme in cooperation with the Dutch national operator, NS. The tests were conducted on a CAF Sprinter EMU.
The experimental train was fitted with cameras, lidars, European train control ETCS and obstacle detection systems upon the existing automated train operation system. The tests took place on a five to six km section of the main line and depot tracks at a speed of up to 80 km/h. It is said that the human operator controlled the train remotely in the GoA1 and GoA2 modes from a distance of 90 km. The section between the terminal station and depot saw the train running completely unmanned, in the GoA4 mode. In addition, the tests showed the train coupling automatically with another train.
CAF reports successful tests of unattended passenger rolling stock. Source: CAF
The unmanned train operation on the main lines is also being tested by Alstom in Germany. Whereas, the Lastochka EMU with the GoA3 automation level has been into revenue service on the Moscow Central Circle line for the fourth month.
