A Major Milestone for DirectTrainS
When we founded DirectTrainS, we had one big goal in mind — to change the way rail transport works for the better. Last week, we took a huge step toward making that happen.
I’m thrilled to share that we recently completed our first successful field test of our Dynamic Train Coupling (DC) system. This wasn’t a small feat — in collaboration with our brilliant French engineering partners at CERTIA, we successfully coupled and decoupled two high-mass train carts while they were in motion on a real railway line. Even our famous “water cup test” passed with flying colors — a cardboard cup placed on the fixture didn’t spill a drop!
This test means so much to me because it validates the core of our technology. It shows that our dynamic coupling wagon — together with its advanced software platform — can be seamlessly installed on existing rolling stock without needing new tracks, new signalling systems, or regulatory changes. Everything works with the railway networks that already exist, which is key to making this technology accessible at scale.
Unlocking Capacity, Reducing Energy, and Improving Service
As my colleague Alberto Mandler, our CEO, put it, “By enabling trains to couple and decouple while in motion, we can increase capacity and flexibility, reduce energy consumption, and improve service — all without laying a single meter of new track.” That’s exactly the future we’re working toward.
A Greener Future for Parcel Delivery
And this future is greener too. Imagine city centers with fewer delivery trucks clogging up the streets and polluting the air. With Dynamic Coupling, we can send parcel wagons on existing passenger or freight trains and drop them off precisely where they need to go. Our goal is to slash emissions, shorten delivery times, and make rail a serious alternative for sustainable middle-mile parcel delivery.
Of course, this success wouldn’t have been possible without CERTIA. Their expertise in advanced mechatronic systems played a huge role in our achievement. As Franck Thelot, CERTIA’s President, put it, “This test proved the robustness of the engineering and the exciting potential of dynamic train coupling.”
Next Steps: Pilot Tests and Beyond
Next up? We’ll be moving into pilot tests with parcel companies and rail operators across different networks and signalling systems.
There’s a lot of work ahead, but today I’m celebrating this moment — a big milestone on our journey to making rail freight and logistics more efficient, green, and future-proof.
Stay tuned for more updates. The best is yet to come.
