The Czech Republic has initiated trials of an autonomous railbus on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov line, marking a significant step in modern rail transport. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Czech Republic has initiated trials of an autonomous railbus on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov line, marking a significant step in modern rail transport
Photo: Vlastimil Weiner/X

Autonomous Railbus Trials on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov Line

Earlier this month, a two-car autonomous railbus successfully completed a test run with passengers along the 24-kilometer Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov route, which is equipped with comprehensive 5G coverage. These trial journeys are scheduled to continue monthly until October.

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AŽD Praha, a Czech company specializing in railway signaling and automation systems, has been developing this project since 2016. The company modernized a classic 810-series railbus, originally manufactured in the 1970s by Vagonka Studénka, upgrading both its exterior and interior.

They also integrated a state-of-the-art automatic driving system rated at GoA4—the highest level of railway automation. Despite the system’s capabilities, a driver remains in the cabin to comply with current legal regulations.

Infrastructure Enhancements and Future Prospects

In a significant move towards full operational control, AŽD Praha purchased the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov line, which includes several open level crossings. The company equipped the entire route with advanced signaling infrastructure necessary to support autonomous operation.

The Czech project aligns with broader trends across Europe, where innovation in autonomous rail transport continues to gain momentum. In the Netherlands, CAF recently concluded trials of a driverless train on a mainline railway.

Meanwhile, Alstom is conducting similar autonomous train tests in Germany, further indicating that major players in the railway industry are investing in unmanned transport technologies.

This pilot marks a major milestone for the Czech railway sector. It not only showcases the potential of integrating high-level automation into regional rail systems but also underscores the importance of digital infrastructure, such as 5G connectivity, in enabling next-generation public transport solutions.

If successful, the project may pave the way for broader deployment of autonomous railbuses in other parts of the country—and possibly beyond.

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