ATO over ETCS as the key to greater efficiency,capacity and sustainability - practical experience and strategies

摘要

Railways are the backbone of our economy and society. Increasing traffic volumes in both passenger and freight transport are presenting a huge challenge to many carriers. In its "Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy" strategy paper of December 2020, UNIFE forecast that passenger traffic in the high-speed segment will double by 2030 and rail freight traffic will grow by 50%. At the same time, a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is also necessary. Rail transport is the only mode of transport in which it is possible for the term "climate-neutral transport" to become a reality in the next few years. Rail transport already accounts for less than 1 % of the transport sector's total greenhouse gas emissions. According to the "Master Plan for Rail Transport" issued by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in June 2020, more freight traffic in Germany is to be switched to environmentally-friendly rail and railway's share of the modal split is to be increased to at least 25% by 2030 . Automatic train operation (ATO) is the answer to today's challenges; the use of this key technology makes it possible to achieve a higher level of capacity and availability, as well as sustainability in rail infrastructure, while at the same time reducing energy consumption.