Introducing Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) in Europe remains one of the most debated topics concerning rail freight. Despite very ambitious plans for a large-scale deployment by 2030, some questions remain, especially concerning the DAC digital component. RailFreight had a chat with Hugo Tabouret, Technical Affairs Manager at UNIFE (the European association of rail suppliers), to address some of these issues.
Despite highlighting that a Europe-wide DAC implementation would bring significant advantages to the rail freight sector, the question concerning the digital components remains somewhat vague. More specifically, it is still unclear how the data gathered through DAC will be handled and who will be able to access it. “This is something that is still under development. As part of the relevant Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking’s System Pillar, options are still being discussed. For instance, clouds where the data could be stored and then shared according to specific contracts between different entities”, Tabouret mentioned.
DAC large-scale production
Another issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of a concrete plan for large-scale DAC production. “Currently, estimations for how many DAC units will be needed are based on different scenarios. But it is important to know which scenario will be chosen before undertaking irreversible investments”, he added. In other words, if there will be a need for more DAC manufacturing sites, decision makers need to show their commitment both at EU and Member States level. “We need a clear understanding of how many DAC units will be needed and which type so that the production can be adapted”, Tabouret highlighted.
Authorisation procedures need to be simple
Tabouret also pointed out that the technology is not an issue per se, provided that enough financial resources are available. On the other hand, particular attention should be paid to the certification and authorisation procedures. To this end, UNIFE is working closely with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to make sure that such processes are not too cumbersome and expensive. “We have to make sure that certification and authorisation for retrofitted wagons stays quite flexible in case new ones are needed”, he stressed.
‘2030 deadline remains feasible’
“What will be key for DAC is that European rail freight business will be supported throughout the pre-deployment and deployment phases. For this, UNIFE also advocates for increased rail funding at the EU level, with national associations working on the national level”, Tabouret said. The pre-deployment phase is planned for 2026, with a large-scale implementation expected for 2030. Despite some considering this deadline as wishful thinking, he claimed that it is a feasible feat, as long as the political will is there and, more importantly, financial support is in place.
Disagreements on all levels
However, there still seems to be somewhat of a discrepancy between different EU countries. More specifically, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are among the most vocal supporters of DAC. On the other hand, industry players in Czechia, Slovakia and Poland already voiced their concerns. Moreover, there are examples, such as the Netherlands, where institutions and industry are not aligned on this issue. On a European level, some sector associations, including ERFA, also underlined that other projects should have financial priority ahead of DAC, such as ERTMS.
UNIFE and DAC
UNIFE is the Union of European Railways Industries, an association grouping Europe’s rail supply sector. “DAC is really a priority for UNIFE and we strongly support all the EU activities that help its development”, Tabouret stated. They are involved in various segments of the DAC programme. Other than the cooperation with ERA, UNIFE is also part of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking which plays a central role in the coordination of DAC activities. Moreover, UNIFE plays the role of facilitator in the discussion between industry players and policymakers.