Britain demonstrates affordable DAC alternative system
A British alternative has been demonstrated to the EU proposed Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) programme. An examination has been backed by an industry-recognised safety body. The work has been carried out by a nationwide consultancy,...Read more
The Swiss Federal Council wants to pour millions into single wagonload
The Swiss Federal Council wants to make funds available to improve the country’s rail freight sector and keep single wagonload transport financially viable. If approved by the Swiss Parliament, the initiative will see hundreds of...Read more
EU Commission reactivates Czech rail scheme, this time it includes DAC too
The European Commission (EC) has reactivated a scheme to support rail interoperability in the Czech Republic over the next five years for 380 million euros. This initiative, unlike its predecessor, also includes a new measure...Read more
Sector statement: ‘EU investments priority for DAC implementation’
The rail freight sector reaches out to Brussels to address the pressing matter of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) implementation on a European level. Major associations and their members send a clear message: the EU should...Read moreMunich hot topic: to DAC or not to DAC?
analysisThe implementation of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) for rail freight in Europe has been under the spotlight for a while now. What makes the DAC digital? How realistic can a large-scale implementation by 2030 be?...Read more
Deutsche Bahn completes digital freight train test run
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has completed the first practical test of the so-called digital freight train. This test train was equipped with various prototypes of digital automatic couplers (DAC). The trial convoy ran throughout Europe for...Read more
Knorr-Bremse begins tests for DAC for freight train in Sweden
tech tuesdayKnorr-Bremse, a German manufacturer of braking systems, is testing its Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) in real-world conditions on a Swedish freight train. As the company claimed, Knorr-Bremse has been confirmed as an authorised DAC manufacturer...Read morePolish rail association ‘strongly opposed’ to EU’s DAC implementation plan
InterviewThe EU’s plan to implement Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) on the entire freight fleet running in the Union is receiving criticism concerning insufficient testing and financial issues. The Federation of Independent Rail Operators (ZNPK), a...Read more
Karima Delli to EU: ‘Stop the blah blah, we want results’
Karima Delli, Chairwoman of the ‘Transport’ committee of the European Parliament, presented a new joint declaration from the rail freight industry urging the EU to accelerate the modal shift to rail. Delli highlighted that if...Read more
Switzerland starts testing ‘DAC+’ digital freight train
A Swiss consortium that includes the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) launched the so-called DAC+ pilot freight train. This automated freight train is equipped with an automatic coupler including a digital data line. This new initiative...Read more
German wagon keepers: rail modernisation needs to speed up
Modernisation of rail in Germany needs to go faster. That includes the modernisation of infrastructure, investments in the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the introduction of digital automatic couplers (DAC) to counteract the shortage...Read more
150 workshops popping up around Germany to speed up DAC retrofitting
The successful test runs of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) trains around Europe bring some rapid developments in Germany. DB is eager to set up 150 pop-up workshops for the DAC retrofitting of wagons. First, the...Read more
Knorr-Bremse tests automated brake testing system
German transportation technology firm Knorr-Bremse has announced the start of trials for a new automated brake testing system for freight trains. The new technology is designed to increase efficiency and flexibility of rail freight transport...Read more
Switzerland next stop for DAC test train
After an extensive test program at five Austrian stations from the beginning of February to the beginning of March 2022, a freight train with Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) will be tested in Switzerland now. The...Read moreEuropean test run with Digital Automatic Coupling begins
In Berlin, a freight train equipped with a Digital Automatic Coupler has started a practical test run across Europe, lasting several months. German Federal Minister for Transport Volker Wissing gave the symbolic starting signal for...Read moreMeet the automatic coupler that will revolutionise European rail freight
The future Europe-wide Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) design has been selected. The standard coupler head design that has prevailed over other prototypes is the Scharfenberg type. This decision is a milestone in the process that,...Read moreShift2Rail announces call for proposals 2021
Shift2Rail has opened submissions for two projects in a call for proposals. It includes the further development of Digital Automated Coupling, and measuring the impact of research & innovation (R&I) on the railway sector in...Read more