Selected issues of automation of rail vehicles operation

Abstract

This article presents a synthesis of the assessment opportunities for the implementation of automation of rail vehicles in Poland. The evaluation was to identify the threats to the implementation of automation of the above mentioned vehicles and then to assign to them the effects and probabilities of occurrence. For the purpose of probability estimation, a review of selected scientific, technical, formal and legal sources was carried out. Definitions of grades of automation (GoA) were given, assigning technical and safety functionalities to them. Functional classification has been made with regard to traffic safety. The problem of passengers' and drivers' social feelings towards the introduction of automatic vehicles has been pointed out. A formal and legal analysis of the possibility of implementing automatic rail vehicle traffic in Poland was also carried out.