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Belgium plans to launch unaccompanied trains

Xinhua, December 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

The national railway company of Belgium (SNCB) wants to launch unaccompanied trains on the network in Belgium by 2020, reported Belgian business newspaper l'Echo on Wednesday.

The system, which involves trains with a one-man car or drive-only operation, will require an investment of at least 40 million euros (42.5 million U.S. dollars) and reduce the net employment of 469 agents.

A comparative study will assist the SNCB to assess the operational, legal and commercial implications as well as the safety implications.

Investments will include adaptation of trains (door closure control, emergency braking system, etc.).

It will also be necessary to deploy a network of cameras in high-risk areas (known as a camera implanted every 100 meters), mainly at large stations and stopping points and in areas where visibility is poor or impaired.

Testing will be carried out on the rural lines, before attempting the experiment in two cities in Belgium -- Antwerp and Liege. Endit