BLT Launches Partially Automated Services Along Waldenburg Railway
BLT Baselland Transport AG has become the very-first Swiss railway company to begin operating partially automated GoA2 services along the Waldenburg Railway.
BLT Baselland Transport AG has become the very-first Swiss railway company to begin operating partially automated GoA2 services along the Waldenburg Railway.
The transition has been made possible due to the installation of modern signalling technology from Stadler, and was approved by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT).
Grades of Automation (GoA) describe the levels of automation in train operations, with the scale ranging from GoA0 (fully manual) to GoA4 (fully automatic and driverless). Having begun operating at GoA2; the system itself (in this case, the Stadler NOVA Pro) takes over driving and braking, with a driver remaining on board to monitor operation and intervene if necessary.
The NOVA Pro train protection system functions as the core of the semi-automated operation. Stadler delivered a complete redesign of the line’s communication-based train control (CBTC) system at its Wallisellen site, enabling direct information exchange between both the vehicles and trackside signalling system – allowing for fully digital train control.
Stadler’s system takes responsibility for the entire journey process – once doors have closed and the driver has been given permission to depart; the journey proceeds fully automatically. Speed is regulated by the CBTC system, as is level crossing navigation and controlled stops at the next station.
Marc Trippel, Executive Vice President Division Stadler Signalling, said:
We are very proud to be implementing this pioneering project together with the Waldenburg Railway. For Stadler Signalling, it is an important milestone in the further development of modern, digital train control systems – and at the same time a significant step for automated rail transport in Switzerland.
BLT has stated that it is consistently focusing on a contemporary and future-oriented rail operation, having introduced ten new Stadler train sets manufactured in Valencia since the end of 2022. It has also renewed the 13-kilometre infrastructure of the Waldenburg–Liestal line, including new tracks, modernised stations and new signalling & control systems.
The company also intends to implement fully automated train manoeuvring at its newly built depot in Waldenburg from the end of 2026, enabling full automation within depot operatons (GoA4).
Philipp Glogg, Chief Technical Officer of BLT, said:
With GoA2, we are taking a decisive step forward in automated rail operations. Train service will become smoother, more resource-efficient, and more energy-efficient.
The WB will be even more punctual. GoA2 will reduce delays and prevent premature departures from stops. This is a significant benefit for our passengers.
