No Driver, No Signals, No Limits: Czech Republic Launches Europe’s First Autonomous Train

Autonomous trains aren’t just for airport shuttles anymore. With AŽD Praha’s driverless EDITA train rolling out under ETCS on open tracks, Europe’s race toward fully automated rail travel is officially underway.

Europe has officially welcomed its first autonomous passenger train operating on an open railway line, marking a groundbreaking achievement in rail innovation. On April 5, 2025, AŽD Praha launched commercial operations on the Kopidlnka line between Dolní Bousov and Kopidlno, as reported by Vladimír Kampík on LinkedIn.

Unlike driverless metro systems confined to enclosed tracks, AŽD’s autonomous train operates in an open environment, handling real-world conditions such as level crossings and unexpected obstacles. This, according to AŽD’s official press release, is a breakthrough innovation that brings autonomous technology into conventional railway settings.

🚆 A European first!
The Czech Republic has launched the first autonomous train in regular operation — no driver in the cab, navigating open rail with crossings.

📍 Kopidlno – Dolní Bousov
🚋 Developed by @azd_praha
👀 Named EDITA

🎥 Video by @radekduchon#AutonomousTrain… pic.twitter.com/qjtfi7mcIS

— RAILMARKET (@RAILMARKETCOM) April 7, 2025

According to AŽD, the achievement is the result of years of intensive development, significant investment, and close cooperation with Správa železnic, the Czech national railway infrastructure manager. General Director of AŽD, Zdeněk Chrdle, stated, "This project demonstrates that autonomous control technology can meet the challenges of real-world railway operations even in unprotected environments."

The vehicle, known as EDITA 811.111 (Experimental Railway Vehicle for Innovative Technologies AŽD), is equipped with sophisticated artificial intelligence systems, including lidar sensors, advanced cameras, and AI-driven safety algorithms. The entire railway infrastructure along the 24 km route has also been modernized under the Digital 4.0 standard, creating a digitally interconnected corridor between Kopidlno and Dolní Bousov.

ETCS Level 2 and ATO GoA3 Technology Drive EDITA Train

The project is supported under the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking programme and builds upon the development of ETCS (European Train Control System) specifications for automated train operations at GoA3/4 levels. As Kampík noted, although the train runs autonomously under ETCS Level 2 protection, a driver remains onboard to oversee safety and can intervene if necessary under current legal frameworks. Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, present at the launch, emphasized the broader significance: "By introducing autonomous rail technology, AŽD moves beyond traditional signaling and embraces a fully digitized, future-ready model for rail transport."

A distinctive feature of the project is the passenger experience. As reported by AŽD, travelers aboard the train’s reconstructed 010 series trailer coach can view real-time video feeds and data from the vehicle’s sensor arrays. Displays inside the carriages show surroundings detected by lidar and camera systems, demonstrating the active decision-making process of the autonomous control system General Director of Správa železnic Jiří Svoboda praised the achievement, pointing out that the Czech rail sector is setting a "leading tempo" for ETCS deployment and digital innovation across Europe.

AŽD Praha Eyes Full Railway Automation on Švestková Dráha by 2030

While the train can operate autonomously, full removal of the driver from the cab will only occur once the necessary legislative updates are completed. For now, drivers will supervise from an observation post and are able to initiate emergency stops if needed.

Zdeněk Chrdle acknowledged that passengers may initially need time to adjust: "In future full autonomous operation, passengers will have to get used to no driver sitting in the cabin, with safety entirely managed by AI systems that never tire and have enhanced perception capabilities." AŽD is actively working with Czech authorities to codify autonomous rail operations into national law, ensuring the legal framework supports broader deployment.

Previewing the Future: Expansion Plans Underway

Looking ahead, AŽD plans to extend its autonomous technology. By 2030, the company aims to transform the Švestková dráha (Plum Railway) between Čížkovice and Obrnice into a fully autonomous railway line, operating daily services without manual intervention.

The EDITA train will operate on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov route during selected weekends and summer holidays throughout 2025. Ticket prices are set at 2 eur for full journeys, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors. During operating days, three train pairs will run:

• Departing Kopidlno at 8:15, 12:11, and 16:11
• Departing Dolní Bousov at 10:05, 14:05, and 17:20

On non-autonomous days, conventional diesel units will maintain services.

Sources: AŽD; Vladimír Kampík on LinkedIn