Swiss Federal Railways reports it has carried out successful tests that allowed engineers to remotely control a train near Zurich amid ongoing operations, a European first. The tests were conducted in February and March using 24 train drivers at a remote-control facility in Oerlikon, in part of the city of Zurich.
The test locomotive was at the Zurich Mülligen marshalling yard, seven kilometers away. In the future, trains could be controlled remotely and used for short journeys on construction sites or for tunnelling work, the Federal Railways says. Autonomous trains will not be used to carry passengers, however remote control could bring greater flexibility during construction work, the rail company said in a statement.
But driverless trains could be moved between holding locations and arrival or departure tracks. Drivers would need to spend less time in shunting facilities and could board trains at the same time as passengers. The hope is that occupational accidents near the tracks could also be reduced.
This test was not on a test track, but carried out amid ongoing operations. The test train traveled at a top speed of 30 km per hour. The system for the tests was developed by French railway company Alstom. Federal Railways was also supported by specialists from the German Aerospace Center in evaluating the test runs.