Stakeholders in the European railway sector have expressed their steadfast commitment and support for the implementation of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). DAC is an innovative solution to automatically couple and decouple the rolling stock in a freight train both physically (the mechanical connection and the air line for braking), as well as digitally (electrical power and data connection).

In a sector statement published on 10 July, the European Commission and Member States are urged to begin shaping the political, financial, and legal framework conditions for a coordinated European deployment of DAC and its automation and digital technology on all European freight wagons and locomotives to accelerate the digitalisation of freight rail. Strong public support must be ensured for the ensuing phases in full complementarity with the required ERTMS and infrastructure investments, which remain the priority from rail infrastructure managers’ perspective.

The rail sector signatories are confident that the long-term viability of this green form of transportation in Europe depends on rail freight automation and digitalisation. DAC will enable this necessary transition and facilitate a modal shift from road to rail. In addition it will create a better, more contemporary, and safer working environment.

The full statement can be found here on EIM website : https://eimrail.org/2023/07/11/dac-sector-statement/