Belgian government considers trains without attendants

The new federal government wants to explore the idea of driverless trains and see if trains without a train attendant, the so-called ‘one-man car,’ can be done. This is according to the policy statement of federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés).

The proposal is remarkable. On the one hand, it may help bring down personnel costs and may be the ‘odd’ solution against increasing aggression against staff. On the other hand, one can also question the desirability of train attendants, especially women, especially during evening hours or on less crowded routes.

Realistic idea?

“Automation of trains can positively affect punctuality through more optimal train paths and less chance of human error,” reads Crucke’s policy statement, presented in parliament this week.

However, such autonomous trains currently seem to be primarily a long-term option in Belgium, also given the financial situation of NMBS/SNCB and the technical costs involved. Given the budget deficit, the De Wever government wants to focus on significant savings in many areas.

Indeed, many countries are currently exploring the possibilities for autonomous train traffic. Still, apart from fully automated shuttle trains for airports such as in New York, San Francisco, and Miami and autonomous freight trains in Western Australia, experiments with automatic high-speed trains are being conducted in this area, mainly in China and Japan. Although Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, and Vancouver already have fully automated subway lines.

One-man car

But the policy statement also states that “experiments will have to be conducted in the shorter term to run certain passenger trains with only one man on board (‘one man car’), as is common elsewhere in Europe, especially on rural and suburban lines.

According to Minister Crucke, such unaccompanied trains could also solve the difficulty of finding enough staff. “Of course, it must be ensured that the conditions that guarantee safe traffic for passengers and staff are met,” he says.

NMBS/SNCB is not a big fan

The idea of a ‘one-man car’ is not new. Sophie Dutordoir, the top woman of NMBS/SNCB, was not a big fan in the past, partly because train conductors play a crucial role, according to her. In 2019, the idea was called technically and financially unfeasible. Trade unions always opposed the principle and now let it be known that they “will continue to oppose it in the future.”

In a reaction, the NMBS/SNCB reiterates that as long as several “essential functions” cannot be performed in other ways, train attendants “will remain essential”. NMBS/SNCB refers to guaranteeing safe departures, helping passengers who need assistance, and checking tickets.

In its response, the company also points to the public service contract and the 2023-2032 business plan, which the Council of Ministers approved in 2022. This states that the presence of train attendants will be maintained “for the entire duration of the contract.” Dutordoir now wants to discuss the issue quickly with the new minister.

NMBS/SNCB notes, however, that it has been decided to provide the necessary technical equipment whenever new trains are purchased. These will make it technically possible to travel without a train conductor. This includes, for example, the ability to open and close doors from the driver’s station or to see the platform via cameras. The new trains should last until 2070.

Big brother AI

Modern unaccompanied trains have surveillance cameras monitored live from a control center. If there is a problem, passengers can contact the control center directly via emergency buttons or intercoms. The control center can also quickly call in mobile teams and police. Doors can also be locked, or the train can be stopped.

Of course, innovative technology, such as AI, is also used. Some systems, for example, use it to detect suspicious situations early or to recognize abnormal behavior. However, in case of aggression or incident in a so-called one-man car, much will also depend on social control, interaction, and the commitment of the other travelers.

The physical presence of staff can discourage unwanted behavior, especially in the evening or on quiet routes. A steward can also reassure passengers and provide instructions; many passengers feel safer and more comfortable when staff is on board.