Pioneer DAC Trains

ongoing

"Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) supports the EU's modal shift and decarbonization goals by automating rail freight operations, increasing network capacity, improving safety, and enabling seamless digital data exchange. DAC technology is being developed under the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (Horizon Europe) in the Flagship Project5-TRANS4M-R. PioDAC aims to validate DAC technology in commercial rail freight operations. Key objectives include validating DAC reliability, economic benefits, integration (retrofit) within existing vehicles, harmonised operational rules, and providing insights for large-scale implementation. The project unites 8 Railways Undertakings (RUs), vehicle keepers, retrofit managers, and major industry players and railway customers. It will equip commercial freight trains with the ""DAC Basic Package"" on 7 routes across 6 EU Member States and Norway. These ""Pioneer DAC Trains"" will operate in diverse environments, including cross-border and shunting yards, for 18 months, gathering critical operational data. The project will deliver critical evidence for EU-wide DAC deployment, fostering a sustainable, digital, and efficient rail freight system in Europe."