{"id":322742,"date":"2025-11-25T18:49:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T08:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=67582"},"modified":"2025-11-25T18:49:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T08:49:32","slug":"large-scale-dac-tests-to-start-in-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=322742","title":{"rendered":"Large scale DAC tests to start in 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"

The deployment of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) will take a significant step forward in 2027, when \u201clarge-scale commercial testing with trains operating in real-world conditions\u201d will begin. Once started, the tests will last for 36 months, according to the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP).<\/strong>
\n<\/span>UIP is one of 10 members of the PioDac consortium, tasked with the large-scale tests. So far, there is no further information about how many trains will be involved in the project and which routes they will run. \u201cThe operating data collected will provide a comprehensive picture of the DAC\u2019s operational capability, robustness and cost-effectiveness\u201d, UIP said.<\/p>\n

Persisting doubts<\/h2>\n

Despite this development, DAC is still a controversial initiative. Its cost, for example, continues to be the subject of many debates. The most optimistic estimates say that the migration to DAC across Europe will cost 8,5 billion euros, while the highest are set at somewhere between 20 and 30 billion euros.<\/p>\n