BLT Baselland Transport AG is the first Swiss rail operator to start semi-automated GoA2 operation on its metre-gauge, electrically powered line in the greater Basel area between Liestal and Waldenburg – the Waldenburgerbahn. This marks a decisive step towards automated rail operation. Stadler supplied the signalling technology for this.
The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has approved BLT’s semi-automated train operation (GoA2, see info below) for the Waldenburgerbahn. This new form of operation is thus celebrating its premiere on the Liestal – Waldenburg line. BLT is once again distinguishing itself as a pioneer in digital, modern train operation.
At the heart of the semi-automated operation is the NOVA Pro train control system. Stadler has completely redesigned this communication-based system (CBTC) at its site in Wallisellen. It enables direct information exchange between the vehicles and the trackside safety system, thus forming the basis for continuous digital train control.
With the comprehensive modernisation of the Waldenburg Railway, BLT is consistently focusing on contemporary and future-oriented rail operations. Ten new Stadler TRAMLINK interurban light rail trainsets manufactured in Valencia have been in service since the end of 2022. Previously, BLT had completely renewed the 13-kilometre infrastructure of the Waldenburg–Liestal line – from new tracks on metre-gauge (previously 750 mm) and modernised stops to a new generation of safety and control systems.
A key step towards digitalised rail transport is the move away from traditional route signalling. In semi-automated GoA2 operation, the Stadler CBTC system takes over the entire journey. Once the doors are closed and the train driver has given the departure signal, the journey runs fully automatically. The CBTC system regulates the speed, ensures compliance with the permitted maximum speeds, optimises control of level crossings and automatically stops the train precisely at the next stop. This relieves the train crew of routine tasks and increases punctuality. The train driver monitors the journey and intervenes if necessary.
At the same time, BLT plans to implement completely driverless manoeuvring of vehicles in the newly built depot in Waldenburg from the end of 2026. This will achieve full automation within depot operations (GoA4, see box). The Waldenburgerbahn is thus consistently continuing on its path towards increasingly automated operations.
GoA levels in rail operations
The Grades of Automation (GoA) describe the level of automation in train operations. The scale ranges from GoA0 (fully manual operation) to GoA4 (fully automated, driverless operation).
GoA0 – Manual train operation:
The train driver controls the train entirely manually. All driving tasks, door operations and safety functions are carried out by the driver.
GoA1 – Manual operation with supporting systems:
The train driver remains fully responsible but receives technical support, for example through automatic train protection systems (speed and braking supervision). All decisions and driving actions remain with the human operator.
GoA2 – Semi-automated operation:
The system (Stadler NOVA Pro) takes over driving and braking. A train driver remains on board, supervises operations and can intervene if necessary.
GoA3 – Highly automated, driverless operation with on-board staff:
There is typically no train driver in the cab. The system operates the train autonomously, while a staff member is on board to handle tasks such as passenger assistance or emergency situations.
GoA 4 – Fully automated, driverless operation (UTO – Unattended Train Operation):
The train operates fully autonomously, without any staff on board. Monitoring and control are performed from the operations control centre.
