„Reactivating decommissioned railway routes, connecting rural areas“
The project DATATRAIN is part of the DATIpilot program in the REAKT research community and funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Over the course of three years, until 2028, this project lays the groundwork for future research initiatives exploring the various dimensions of safety in autonomous, on-demand rail mobility within rural environments.
In close cooperation with HLB GmbH (Sven Ratjens), the project investigates both technical and social aspects of safety:
What does “being safe” mean on a rural railway surrounded by nature? Which uncertainties — such as falling trees or delayed routes — are naturally given, and which can be anticipated, managed, or communicated to passengers? How can technological safety be experienced as protection rather than surveillance?
Through this perspective, the project explores the ideal travel journey — a mobility experience that ensures the security of arrival, punctuality, and physical integrity while fostering emotional trust and comfort.
To achieve this, the research integrates user-centered methods, including surveys and interviews, to identify what types of safety truly matter to travelers. These insights will guide the development of future design strategies and technical frameworks for safe, autonomous rail mobility in rural contexts.
The mFUND project REAKT DATA, funded by the BMDV, is dedicated to reactivating decommissioned railway lines through autonomous on-demand transport services.
Research is now receiving a strong boost thanks to financial support from the DATIpilot funding guideline of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
