First autonomous train in Europe starts service in the Jičín region

Czech company AŽD Praha has launched the first autonomous train on an open railway line in Europe. Running on the 24-kilometre route between Kopidlno and Dolní Bousov, the train operates without driver control between stations. Due to current legislation, however, a driver remains on board to supervise the journey. The train will carry passengers for the first time this weekend, April 5 and 6, and will continue on selected weekends and during part of the summer holidays. AŽD purchased the previously unused line, known as Kopidlnka, in 2016 to test and develop new railway technologies.