DACH countries aim to make rail freight transport future-proof

Switzerland, along with Germany and Austria, is advocating for the future-proofing of rail freight transport at the European level through the introduction of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC). On April 30, 2024, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti signed a position paper during a digital exchange with Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, Volker Wissing, and Austria’s Federal Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology, Leonore Gewessler.

(Berlin, Bern, Vienna) On January 10, 2024, the Federal Council adopted its message for a future-oriented rail freight transport to Parliament. A key element is the introduction of the Digital Automatic Coupler. Thanks to the DAC, rail freight transport is expected to become simpler, faster, and more economical. The Federal Council plans to allocate a one-time budget of 180 million Swiss francs for the retrofitting of Swiss rolling stock to the DAC. The modernization is to be aligned with developments in Europe.

Advancing retrofitting in the EU

To promote retrofitting in the EU, the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK), together with its partner ministries in Germany and Austria, has developed a position paper that was signed on April 30, 2024, during a virtual exchange. In this paper, the three countries commit to a swift introduction and co-financing of the DAC. They urge the EU Commission to take a leading role as well, particularly by adopting a concept for EU-wide co-financing of the DAC. Other EU states are also called upon to prepare financing solutions. Switzerland, Germany, and Austria further urge the industry to develop the necessary technical and operational foundations for the rapid and cost-effective introduction of the DAC.

Further event for the digital coupler in Leipzig

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing will organize another event for the DAC on May 22, 2024, during the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, to discuss the importance of a timely introduction of the DAC with other EU states.

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