SWITZERLAND: Automatic operation on the Waldenburgerbahn is scheduled to begin in September, with conversion to fully driverless operation envisaged for 2030.
The 13·1 km railway from Liestal to Waldenburg was rebuilt to light rail standards and converted from 750 to 1 000 mm gauge in a SFr420m modernisation programme undertaken in 2021-22. As part of this Stadler supplied its NOVA Pro commuications-based train control system and 10 Tramlink light rail vehicles incorporating provision for future automated operation.
Final preparations are now underway for the start of GoA2 operation in September, retaining a driver onboard to monitor operations.
GoA4 unattended operation is also being tested within the depot, with the launch of automated shunting planned for 2026.
Preparations for conversion of passenger-carrying services to GoA4 unattended operation are expected to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2030.
The line is operated as Baselland Transport Route 19, with a 15 min interval service and an end-to-end journey time of 22 min including 10 intermediate stops.
In early August a delegation from Rhätische Bahn visited the line to see the NOVA Pro system.
