Digital Automatic Coupling Under Fire: Switzerland Calls for Caution in DAC Adoption

Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), once seen as a promising innovation in rail freight, is now under scrutiny. Switzerland, previously a strong advocate for DAC, has expressed concerns over unclear funding and limited business advantages.

Last week, at a press briefing on the future of rail freight in Switzerland, Dirk Stahl, CEO of BLS Cargo, stated that DAC does not present a viable "business case" for combined transport or block trains. "Like other technological innovations in rail, such as ERTMS and ETCS, it’s unclear how DAC will be financed," Stahl explained.

He pointed out that funding for onboard ERTMS and ETCS units should precede other projects. Stahl’s position carries significant weight as he has served as President of the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) since 2019. He further suggested that the decision to adopt DAC should be left to the market, rail operators, and wagon owners. He concluded by stating that without a clear business rationale for block trains, a commitment to DAC implementation is not feasible, as reported by Eurailpress.

Switzerland Takes a Step Back

As a member of Europe's Rail, Switzerland, represented by SBB Cargo has been one of the most active supporters of DAC implementation across Europe. Swiss freight wagons even hold an advantage, as a significant portion of the fleet is already equipped with automatic couplers. However, Switzerland’s recent cautious stance has surprised industry observers.

Sven Flore, CEO of SBB Cargo International, echoed Stahl's sentiments, aligning with the growing skepticism within Switzerland, according to Eurailpress. While the rail industry generally praises DAC’s potential, it is calling for swift adoption and financial support from government institutions. Experts argue that DAC could be a game-changer for rail freight, but its success hinges on significant public investment.

Doubts Persist: Memorandum Highlights Risks and Costs

In July, seven rail associations, including Die Güterbahnen, issued a memorandum raising doubts about DAC’s feasibility. Jan Elfenhorst, the board member of Die Güterbahnen, clarified that while the signatories support rail freight innovation, unresolved issues with DAC must be addressed. "Compared to ETCS and Digital Capacity Management (DCM), DAC falls short in increasing network capacity," Elfenhorst stated.

Eurailpress further noted that Elfenhorst highlighted DAC’s complexity, particularly for single wagonload transport, a service primarily offered by state-owned railways. The memorandum warns that DAC will likely increase vehicle costs and that its implementation across the EU is uncertain without strong support from the EU and member states.

The signatories of the memorandum include rail associations from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland.

Source: Eurailpress