Transport ministers from the D-A-CH region have united to endorse a joint position paper titled “The DAK is coming!” Led by Federal Minister for Mobility, Leonore Gewessler, the ministers from Germany and Switzerland underscore their commitment to swiftly implement the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) across borders. They also pledge national co-financing to support this initiative. Their appeal to the European Union emphasizes the need for a collective financing strategy that accommodates the diverse financial circumstances of European railway operators. Recognized as a pivotal advancement in modernizing and digitizing rail freight transport, the DAC aligns with the EU Green Deal’s objectives to combat climate change.
The DAC’s phased implementation from 2026 onward aims to gradually supplant traditional screw couplings throughout Europe. The Rail Cargo Group (RCG) assumes a prominent role in both developing and implementing the DAC. As stewards of the “European DAC Delivery Programme” (EDDP), the RCG oversees comprehensive efforts encompassing DAC migration strategies, cost-benefit analyses, and funding requisites. Moreover, the ÖBB Group, a key player in the European research initiative under “Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking” (EU Rail), spearheads technical innovations, testing, and demonstrations of DAC technology, encompassing diverse applications. These collaborative endeavors signify a concerted push toward a more efficient and sustainable future for European rail freight transportation.