The Netherlands Begins Testing Autonomous Freight Trains
03.11.2025
Self-driving freight trains are in the first phase of tests on the Betuwe Line, between the Port of Rotterdam and the border with Germany. This initiative is meant to test automatic systems of remote operation that will upgrade freight trains in Europe.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Autonomous Freight Trains Tested on the Betuwe Line
A series of tests is currently being carried out by the infrastructure manager ProRail in collaboration with a German freight operator DB Cargo, as well as a number of industrial and research partners. This project uses a Vectron electric locomotive produced by Siemens Mobility.
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In the first stage, engineers are verifying the ATO system functioning at automation level GoA 2, which is based on the ETCS signaling solution. This solution allows automatic train operation under the supervision of the train operator. Later comes the process of implementing GoA 4, in which the train will be automatically operated by the train operating company in a driverless way. They are also implementing the RTO solution, termed remote train operation.
It is estimated that the adoption of ATO will result in a gain of line capacity by as much as 20–30 percent, a reduction in traction energy by 10–15 percent, as well as a reduction in operating costs of up to 20 percent.
Autonomous Freight Trains Prepared for European Certification
Betuwe Line is chosen as a test track since it is not used by passenger trains, has no level crossings, and is already equipped with ETCS. This makes it a safe environment to test in operational circumstances.
These results will help develop European standards and certifying schemes for ATO systems. They will also help guide the use of autonomous train technology in other corridors in the future, such as the Rhine-Alpine corridor that is part of the TEN-T network.
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What are autonomous freight trains?
They are trains equipped with automated driving (ATO) and remote-control (RTO) systems that enable operation with little or no driver involvement.
Who is testing the autonomous freight trains?
The trials are being conducted by infrastructure manager ProRail in partnership with DB Cargo and Siemens Mobility.
When will the Betuwe Line tests be completed?
According to ProRail, testing will continue for about one year, after which the results will be used to certify ATO and GoA 4 technologies in Europe.
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