On October 11, Germany unveiled its first driverless train operating on the existing railway network in the city of Hamburg.
The project, developed in collaboration between the German railway operator Deutsche Bahn and the industrial group Siemens, is part of a modernization plan for the S-Bahn urban railway system in Hamburg, with an investment of up to $70 million. Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz emphasized that the automated trains will provide a more reliable and energy-efficient service compared to traditional trains.
Germany launches driverless trains on traditional tracks. (Photo: S-Bahn Hamburg).
Driverless trains have previously been launched in several other countries such as France and China, but all operated on dedicated tracks. The Deutsche Bahn and Siemens trains are groundbreaking as they utilize existing infrastructure and share tracks with traditional trains.
According to the plan, Hamburg will have an additional four autonomous trains integrated into the rapid S-Bahn urban railway network, beginning passenger services in December.
Officials attend the launch of the driverless train in Hamburg. (Photo: S-Bahn Hamburg).
“We want to provide smarter rail transport services. It is estimated that automated trains can carry 30% more passengers, arrive on time more often, and save 30% more energy,” said Siemens CEO Roland Busch.
Although the vehicle is operated through digital technology and is fully automated, a driver will still be present to monitor the journey whenever there are passengers on board.
