Automatic Train Operation (ATO) Archives - International Railway Journal

Automatic Train Operation (ATO)

April 14, 2026 | Technology

Stadler to install CBTC on Basle light rail network

Nova Pro CBTC will be installed on core BLT network to enable automatic train operation (ATO).

February 15, 2026 | Technology

Autonomous LRVs set to transform depots

Automatic train operation (ATO) has the potential to transform operations at LRV depots, improving the efficiency of servicing and maintenance activities, and reducing the strain on human resources. Kevin Smith visited Tampere in Finland to learn more about a pioneering project developed by Škoda Group.

February 4, 2026 | Technology

GoA2 approved for Switzerland’s Waldenburg Railway

Stadler has supplied CBTC system enabling operation at Grade of Automation 2 (GoA2).

December 22, 2025 | Signalling

Mainline ATO becomes a reality

CAF Signalling and Netherlands Railways have successfully tested remote and automatic train operation up to Grade of Automation 4 in a real-world mixed traffic environment, as Mikel Labayen Esnaola* explains.

August 11, 2025 | High-speed

High-speed rail takes to the global stage

China’s contribution to high-speed railways inevitably captured much attention at the 12th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing last month. However, several issues impacting the operation of existing and construction of new lines in the rest of the world were discussed. Kevin Smith picks out the key talking points.

July 16, 2025 | Fleet

Škoda wins Arriva Czech EMU deal

Arriva has ordered 22 trains to operate services in Western Bohemia from 2028.

July 7, 2025 | Technology

DB Cargo equips first mainline freight locomotive with ATO

One-year trial on Betuweroute in the Netherlands starts in October.

April 22, 2025 | Technology

DB Cargo develops fully automated shunting locomotive

Trials with the prototype have taken place at the Munich North marshalling yard.

April 21, 2025 | Signalling

R2Dato: accelerating the digitalisation and automation of Europe’s railway network

A major Europe’s Rail research project is underway to deliver automatic train operation (ATO) on the mainline network in order to increase capacity and reduce costs. Robert Preston reports on FP2-R2Dato.

April 14, 2025 | Technology

Czech mainline autonomous operation begins

AŽD runs railcar at ATO GoA4 on Kopidlno - Dolni Bousov line.

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