Deutsche Bahn and Alstom complete first remote driven commuter train depot trial

Credit: Alstom

Deutsche Bahn and Alstom have completed the first deployment of remote driving on a commuter train operating on a works track in Germany, marking a milestone for digitally enabled depot operations. The demonstration took place in Munich as part of a Deutsche Bahn project and represents the first customer operated test of remote train driving on a commuter train in a real depot environment in the country.

The trial involved an S Bahn commuter train being driven from a Remote Operation Centre, showing how shunting movements can be controlled without a driver physically present in the cab. According to Alstom, the solution brings the driver’s desk directly to the operator in the control centre, allowing depot movements to be carried out more efficiently.

Aymeric Sarrazin, President Digital and Integrated Systems at Alstom, said the technology streamlines every movement in the depot and highlighted the importance of collaboration with Deutsche Bahn to deliver the test deployment. Deutsche Bahn also emphasised the operational benefits, noting that remote shunting can reduce workload for staff and significantly speed up depot processes.

Harmen van Zijderveld, DB Group Board Member for Regional Transport, said the system was implemented in just four months, including the installation of a local 5G campus network, the control centre and onboard technology. He added that the project demonstrates how technical innovation can be realised using existing vehicles.

The solution uses a generic driving interface connected to a remote workstation, allowing it to be applied across different train types. It enables further digitalisation of depot movements and can be deployed on both existing fleets and newly built trains. Alstom’s adaptable architecture links legacy train control and management systems with a modern standardised interface, providing control and status information to the Remote Operation Centre.

Additional cameras and sensors give operators the situational awareness required for shunting. The approach is applicable to several Alstom train series used in Germany, covering several hundred trains. The project is seen as a significant step towards future prototypes and more efficient depot operations.