Digirail is testing the automatic train operation (ATO) system on the Kouvola–Kotka/Hamina track section for the first time in Finland. So far, extensive test runs have been carried out on the Digirail test track with the Sr1 test locomotive, which is equipped with modern, radio network-based ETCS train control equipment (European Train Control System). Test operation will now also start on the test track with Sm5-engine trains equipped with both ETCS and automatic train operation system. The test runs will offer valuable experience on different train types. The testing of automatic train operation will provide important information and lessons learned, especially for Digirail’s implementation phase.
As part of the renewal of the train control system, the Digirail project will implement preparedness for GoA2 automatic operation (Grade of Automation 2) on the track infrastructure. This means that there will still be a driver on board the train whose duties will include passenger safety and initiating the automatic driving process.
Automation has long been used in Finland, for example in railway traffic control. In the future, automation can also assist drivers directly. Under the automation system, trains will accelerate, brake, and stop at stations independently under the supervision of the driver. This can improve operational efficiency and increase track capacity, especially on routes where the benefits are most significant.
The tests that started in September will ensure that the systems support the future goals of automatic operation as fully as possible. Test runs will take place on the Kouvola-Kotka/Hamina (KoKoHa) track section, which serves as the test track for the Digirail project.
“This is a highly significant milestone for the Digirail project. From the start, the project has been a joint effort that transcends organizational boundaries, and testing ATO marks the culmination of that work. Years of preparation have gone into making these tests possible, and true collaboration has been key,” says Juha Lehtola, Project Manager at the Finnis Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto), representing the alliance project.
“The development of automatic train operation is a large-scale process, in which cooperation between the various Digirail organisations is at the centre of the efforts. The testing will ensure that the automatic train operation system is developed to meet the needs of operators,” says Johanna Kuismin, Project Manager of Fintraffic for the alliance project.
Test runs to gain experience with different types of rolling stock
The Digirail project has carried out extensive test runs on the Sr1 test locomotive since autumn 2023. The tests are now also carried out on Sm5-engine trains, which are equipped with ATO test equipment in addition to ETCS. This will provide a more comprehensive experience of the different types of rolling stock and their suitability for the new train control system.
This is an extensive and multi-stage joint project between the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Fintraffic, VR and HSL’s Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy.
“We operated Sm5-engine trains during the tests, took care of the maintenance of the rolling stock systems and contributed to reporting the results of the tests. The Sm5 test runs provide very valuable lessons for future ETCS deployments – especially in technically demanding areas such as commuter traffic in Helsinki,” says Jonas Eriksson, Vice President for Digirail’s ERMTS programme at VR.
“The test runs will ensure that the Sm5-engine trains can be used for the rest of their service life whilst aiming to significantly improve the quality of HSL traffic with the new technology,” says Tuomo Lankinen, Head of Unit (Train Service) at HSL.
Drivers are at the heart of the test runs
Drivers play a key role in the test runs: they learn about the new automatic train control system, drive on the test track, report their findings and provide feedback. They are thus involved in influencing the practical implementation of the ETCS solution in Finland.
“The Sm5 test runs will involve ten commuter traffic drivers who applied for the Digirail test runs last autumn and were selected for the task. Training for ETCS test drivers was organised at KRAO in Kouvola in August. The training included classroom teaching and independent study, simulator driving, test track operations and equipment training,” says Jon Calenius, a commuter transport rail specialistwho has been closely involved in the test run arrangements.
The Sm5-engine trains are used to simulate traffic in the Helsinki area on the test track. Initially there will be one Sm5 unit, but later a second unit will be added. This will allow trains to be operated both as combined and separate units, enabling more varied test scenarios and modelling of traffic situations.
Taking steps towards commercial use
Later next year, Sm5 test runs will move from the test track to the first commercial ETCS track section, the Tampere-Rauma/Pori section, the so-called EKA track. This first commercial ETCS track section is scheduled to be completed in 2029. Digirail will make the rail infrastructure ready for ATO system deployment, but ATO solutions for commercial traffic will only become relevant in the long term.
The Digirail project is making rail transport in Finland safer, smoother and more efficient. The project is reinventing the outdated train control system and introducing a shared European radio-based train control system across the entire rail network. Digirail will enable safe transport, an improved service level and growth of capacity, and it will create a long-term technical foundation for Finnish railway traffic. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Fintraffic and the Ministry of Transport and Communications are collaborating in the project with other actors.