Legal support of the organization of the movement of unmanned trains on the railways of the Russian Federation

Abstract

This article discusses the legal support of unmanned trains on the railways of the Russian Federation. The technical equipment of trains with the maximum level of automation, the principle of organization and control of the movement of such trains, the role of drivers in driving the train are presented. The chronology of the development of automated trains in Russia is clearly shown. The levels of automation are given. Difficulties in testing and using unmanned trains are highlighted.The legislative base of unmanned trains in Russia is analyzed, the “gaps” in legal regulation are shown. The possible problems that may arise in the future when unmanned trains are put into operation are highlighted.For comparison, the legal aspect of the organization of self-driving cars is considered, it is reflected how much they are ahead of automated railway transport in regulating their operation.The prospects of development and the reasons for the need for unmanned trains on railways are described.In the current geopolitical situation, the digitalization of the transport and logistics complex is one of the main drivers of its development. The introduction of unmanned technologies plays an important role in the formation of technological sovereignty within Industry 4.0, and also acts as a significant competitive advantage in the development of the industry. Unmanned vehicles are the future of both the railway and other modes of transport.