Test runs started at the beginning of October with trains operating under ETCS Level 2. High-speed trials started at the beginning of November using German Rail's ICE-S test train and the first high-speed trial was carried out on November 8 at the maximum permitted speed of 275 km/h.
Around 3000 more test runs are planned by the end of May 2016. Rolling stock and traincrew for the test programme are being provided by AlpTransit Gotthard's parent company SBB, which will formally take over the tunnel in time for the opening ceremony on June 1 2016. There will then be a period of driver familiarisation before the start of commercial services in December 2016.
