De Lijn, OTIV and EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the EU, showcase how artificial intelligence supports tram drivers and increases safety
De Lijn and its partner, organized a press event in Antwerp around practical tests with a smart AI-based driver assistance system on tram line 1. Attendees were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a Belgian first: a tram equipped with artificial intelligence to support drivers, developed by Ghent-based technology company OTIV.
During the demonstration ride, guests could follow live how the system mapped the tram’s surroundings and generated audiovisual warnings in case of potential hazards. Through a laptop interface, they saw how the software detected obstacles and assessed risks. At the same time, the tram driver wore monitoring instruments that recorded brain activity, stress levels and heart rate. These data provide researchers from University College London (UCL) with insights into how the system affects driver alertness and workload.
Flanders as a frontrunner in innovation
Flemish Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport, Annick De Ridder, emphasized the importance of innovation in public transport: “With tests like these, we show that Flanders is investing in smart and safe mobility. Artificial intelligence can make our tram operations safer, smoother and more reliable. This benefits not only passengers and drivers, but also strengthens Flanders’ position as a frontrunner in innovative mobility solutions.”
Ann Schoubs, Managing Director of De Lijn, underlined the added value for both safety and comfort:
“Thanks to this system, our drivers can identify hazardous situations faster and more accurately. This enhances their safety as well as that of passengers and other road users. At the same time, it increases confidence and comfort. For us, this is a fine example of how technology can help make public transport more attractive and future-proof.”
Scientific follow-up
The Antwerp tests are part of the European research project ARISE, which studies the effects of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on tram operations. Researchers analyze accident statistics, punctuality, and the impact on both drivers and passengers.
Jan Luca Kästle, researcher at University College London, explained:
“We collect objective data through sensors and combine them with subjective feedback from drivers via questionnaires. This allows us to measure how workload, stress and attention change when the system is active. In combination with technical measurements from our colleagues in Barcelona, we get a complete picture of the effects on safety and efficiency.”
European collaboration
The project is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Union that accelerates innovation in urban mobility.
Adriana Diaz, Director of Innovation at EIT Urban Mobility, said: “With ARISE, we want to demonstrate that smart technology can make public transport safer, more reliable and more sustainable. By working together with cities, transport operators, universities and companies, we can bring innovation from the lab to the street more quickly. Antwerp is the first city where this system is being tested under real-life conditions. That is a promising step for all of Europe.”
About ARISE
The Antwerp trials are part of ARISE (Advanced Rail Innovation for Safety and Efficiency), an international research project with partners from Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Alongside De Lijn and OTIV, UCL (University College London) and UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) are involved in the scientific research. The project is co-financed by EIT Urban Mobility, a body of the European Union.
Objective: 20% fewer tram accidents, greater operational efficiency, and deeper insight into how artificial intelligence can support tram drivers.
