Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study
The digital transformation of the railway industry is necessary for addressing growing challenges and advancing its sustainable development. Digital technologies include Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Control (RTC), which offer opportunities to potentially optimize operations and e...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Future Transportation |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/2/73 |
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| author | Xavier Morin Nils O. E. Olsson Albert Lau |
| author_facet | Xavier Morin Nils O. E. Olsson Albert Lau |
| author_sort | Xavier Morin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The digital transformation of the railway industry is necessary for addressing growing challenges and advancing its sustainable development. Digital technologies include Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Control (RTC), which offer opportunities to potentially optimize operations and enhance safety. Both technologies, however, could pose significant challenges that need to be addressed in order to capture the anticipated benefits in an urban public street environment. This study thus bridges the gap between theory and practice by exploring the projected benefits and challenges of implementing RTC and ATO through a case study of a European public transport operator deploying these technologies in tramway operations. Employing a case study methodology, the research draws on 44 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from the operator and its supplier. The findings highlight significant anticipated benefits, including increased productivity, improved safety, and enhanced sustainability. Yet, prospective challenges such as regulatory hurdles, technical complexities, and organizational changes pose barriers to implementation. Key obstacles include ensuring robust connectivity, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and managing workforce transitions. This study underscores the importance of collaborative approaches, stakeholder engagement, and incremental deployment to mitigate risks and maximize the impact of automation technologies. By providing actionable insights into the practical adoption of RTC and ATO, this research supports the development of advanced urban transport systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-51a405e8e2024ebd91fe48907ff79171 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-7590 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Future Transportation |
| spelling | doaj-art-51a405e8e2024ebd91fe48907ff791712025-08-20T03:27:02ZengMDPI AGFuture Transportation2673-75902025-06-01527310.3390/futuretransp5020073Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case StudyXavier Morin0Nils O. E. Olsson1Albert Lau2Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayDepartment of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayThe digital transformation of the railway industry is necessary for addressing growing challenges and advancing its sustainable development. Digital technologies include Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Control (RTC), which offer opportunities to potentially optimize operations and enhance safety. Both technologies, however, could pose significant challenges that need to be addressed in order to capture the anticipated benefits in an urban public street environment. This study thus bridges the gap between theory and practice by exploring the projected benefits and challenges of implementing RTC and ATO through a case study of a European public transport operator deploying these technologies in tramway operations. Employing a case study methodology, the research draws on 44 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from the operator and its supplier. The findings highlight significant anticipated benefits, including increased productivity, improved safety, and enhanced sustainability. Yet, prospective challenges such as regulatory hurdles, technical complexities, and organizational changes pose barriers to implementation. Key obstacles include ensuring robust connectivity, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and managing workforce transitions. This study underscores the importance of collaborative approaches, stakeholder engagement, and incremental deployment to mitigate risks and maximize the impact of automation technologies. By providing actionable insights into the practical adoption of RTC and ATO, this research supports the development of advanced urban transport systems.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/2/73automatic train operationremote train controldigitalization |
| spellingShingle | Xavier Morin Nils O. E. Olsson Albert Lau Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study Future Transportation automatic train operation remote train control digitalization |
| title | Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study |
| title_full | Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study |
| title_fullStr | Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study |
| title_short | Expected Challenges and Anticipated Benefits of Implementing Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation: A Tramway Case Study |
| title_sort | expected challenges and anticipated benefits of implementing remote train control and automatic train operation a tramway case study |
| topic | automatic train operation remote train control digitalization |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/2/73 |
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