The Dutch rail infrastructure manager, ProRail, has begun ATO train testing on the Betuweroute, marking the start of a one-year test phase of the technology at the Kijfhoek marshalling yard.
“Thanks to innovative technologies, we are making rail safer, more efficient and more sustainable,” said Thierry Aartsen, the State Secretary for Public Transport and Environment. “With this pilot, we show that autonomous operation of freight trains is not a question of tomorrow, but a reality today. This is how we prepare the railway for the future.”
During the test phase, DB Cargo will operate a locomotive specially prepared for ATO, hauling a number of wagons—some weighted, though all without commercial cargo. For the first time, both GoA2 (semi-autonomous operation with a driver onboard) and GoA4 (fully autonomous operation with remote supervision) are being tested in an integrated setup for freight transport. New technologies, such as Remote Supervision & Control, are also being deployed, and a test team is always present in the cab.
The use of semi- or fully autonomous operation is expected to deliver several tangible benefits. Full GoA4 deployment could increase capacity on certain corridors by up to 20–30%, while energy consumption may be reduced by 10–15%, depending on the route and load. Operational costs are also projected to drop by up to 20% thanks to smoother driving behaviour and fewer unplanned stoppages.
“This innovation represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a new standard for sustainable and efficient rail freight. This is the future of mobility – and we are at the forefront,” added Mirjam van Velthuizen, CFO of ProRail.
The test phase is being carried out on the Betuweroute, a dedicated freight corridor without level crossings, equipped with the ERTMS signalling system. The route is a key artery for freight traffic from Germany to the Netherlands, providing a safe and controlled environment for large-scale ATO testing.
Following the conclusion of the test phase, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted. The results will inform the standardisation and certification of ATO technology, with the aim of wider deployment across Europe, including along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor. The ATO train testing programme represents a close collaboration between the Dutch and German Ministries of Infrastructure.
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