Finland: Nordic region’s first automated train drive with ETCS and ATO
posted on 10th Mar 2026 15:22
Siemens Mobility achieved a historic milestone in Finland, conducting the Nordic region’s first-ever automated train operation on an ETCS-equipped mainline. The successful demonstration, part of a Digirail programme, held on the 19 km long route between Juurikorpi and Hamina, showcased the seamless integration of ATO with the ETCS Level 2.
Using a modernized FLIRT owned by Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy (JKOY) and operated by VR, Siemens Mobility demonstrated state-of-the-art digital rail technology, delivering precise automated stops, smooth acceleration, and controlled braking. These semi-automatic (GoA2) test runs underscored the stability, repeatability, and innovation of the system in real mainline conditions.
“Introducing ATO over ETCS to Finland – and for the first time to the Nordic countries – is a major milestone in modernizing the railway system,” says Marc Ludwig, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. “This demonstration marks a significant step toward more efficient and sustainable rail transport in Finland. We are proud to drive this transformation alongside the Digirail programme. With our technology, our customers can increase capacity by 30%, significantly improve punctuality, and save over 30% energy.”
In these runs, Siemens Mobility showcased how the train performed an automated stop from 100 km/h with a precision of 30 to 80 cm, while also demonstrating smooth acceleration and controlled braking under ATO supervision. The test highlighted the seamless interaction between the ETCS Level 2 and onboard automation.
In 2024, Siemens Mobility secured two contracts supporting Finland’s forward-thinking Digirail initiative to modernize its railway infrastructure. As part of this effort, Siemens is equipping, for test purposes, two trains with onboard unit technology.
Moreover, the company is modernizing the first commercial section (EKA) of the Tampere - Pori/Rauma line using Signaling X, a cloud-ready, virtualized platform that leverages commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. This innovative solution simplifies infrastructure, ensures efficient operations, and sets a new standard for digital rail systems. The first segment is scheduled to be operational by 2029.
