European rail freight associations have joined forces in a new memorandum calling for a cautious and well-considered approach to the introduction of digital automatic couplers (DACs). The memorandum, signed by rail freight associations from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, outlines several concerns.The document outlines several areas of concern regarding the impact of DAC on railway competitiveness and internal competition, as well as its overall business case.
Among the key issues highlighted are the significant up-front investment required for the implementation of the DAC and the economic viability at both the macro and micro level. The Associations stress the need to thoroughly evaluate before making binding decisions to implement DAC.
The high cost of DAC implementation and doubts about its benefits are significant barriers to its adoption. The initial investment is particularly challenging for railway operators, who face declining market share and profitability. Without substantial funding from both the EU and individual member countries, the widespread adoption of DAC remains uncertain. The associations draw parallels with other projects, such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), and stress the importance of learning from experience.
„In time new type of coupler like DAC can become an option, but there`s no reason to force users of conventional rolling stock to double cost of their older wagons. By all means, it also cannot become any kind of barrier limiting competition within the industry, i.e. by limiting access for screw couplers on parts of the network,’“ said Michal Litwin, director general of Federation of Independent Rail Operators (ZNPK).
Despite these concerns, the associations are supportive of the forthcoming pilot phase of DAC, which will test the technology under a variety of technical and operational conditions. In their view, it will be crucial to identify specific segments where DAC could be of benefit before any further steps are taken.
