In the Year of Rail 2021, modernisation through automation of wagonload traffic is at the top of our agenda. Our cooperation with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) and the Association of Public Transport (VVO) for a joint approach to automation in rail freight transport is progressing according to plan. Among other things, the focus is on the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK). The details of the joint tasks will soon be defined in consultation with the freight railways, wagon and locomotive operators and shippers, so that concrete progress can be seen soon.
Model evaluation underway
At the same time, the evaluation of the various DAK models is underway at the European level. We expect the decision for a specific system in autumn. After that, the corresponding implementation plan should be presented at the EU level. In other words, the DAK and with it automation in rail freight transport are taking shape.
Funding needed
The modernisation of rail freight transport requires clear political and financial support. This is why our President and Member of the Council of States Josef Dittli started the corresponding political process with the motion 20.3221 «Transporting goods more efficiently by rail through automation». By accepting the motion, Parliament has entrusted the Federal Council with the preparation of a concept.
Implementation concept envisaged
We at the VAP, together with the FOT and the VöV, will therefore tackle a concept and submit it to parliament for consultation in due course. This concept should contain the technical solution, a transformation plan and the initial costs with the expected efficiency increases. It will be up to parliament to decide on the financial support and suitable framework conditions (streamlining of the statutory safety and working regulations, adoption of the European interoperability regulations, etc.).
