C-DAS Boosts Rail: Ceit’s Tech for EU-Rail, Efficiency, Capacity

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Introduction

Ceit, a technology center and founding member of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), is developing Connected Driver Advisory Systems (C-DAS) technology within the FP1-MOTIONAL project to enhance eco-driving performance, improve network capacity, and increase interoperability through standardized interfaces.

Core Functions and Benefits of C-DAS

C-DAS provides real-time information tailored to both the train and the broader network, offering speed and timing advice that adjusts automatically to changing circumstances. This technology improves energy efficiency, potentially reducing energy consumption by an estimated 5–15%. Furthermore, C-DAS enhances punctuality by keeping drivers informed about the best way to align with the traffic plan, thereby minimizing delays. This results in greater reliability for passengers and reduced cognitive burden for drivers, leading to reported reductions in stress levels and improved adherence to timetables. Operators also benefit from cost savings due to reduced fuel or electricity consumption and lower maintenance expenses.

Integration with Railway Infrastructure

The success of C-DAS relies heavily on integration with Traffic Management Systems (TMS), which coordinate train movements across a network. The use of an Integration Layer (IL) between the TMS and systems like C-DAS is essential for enabling interoperability across railway operations. It serves as the technical interface that translates and harmonises data exchanged between the two systems, ensuring that train schedules, paths, and operational updates generated by the TMS can be delivered in a consistent and timely manner to the C-DAS. To address integration challenges, Ceit is developing a C-DAS system with integration and interoperability in mind, aiming to ensure compatibility with different TMS systems through the use of an Integration Layer that acts as a link and interpreter between systems with different data architectures. The bidirectional communication between the two main components of the C-DAS—namely, Trackside (TS) and Onboard (OB)—is carried out using the standard communication protocol already applied in ATO (SS-126).

Future Outlook and Challenges

The role of C-DAS is likely to grow as railways continue their digital transformation. Deployment costs for C-DAS can be substantial, especially for large fleets or networks requiring significant upgrades to their TMS and data management systems. Training drivers and control staff is equally important for the system’s effectiveness. Standardisation is another critical issue, as Europe’s railway sector is highly fragmented, with multiple infrastructure managers, operators, and national systems. There’s also a need to digitalise detailed line data to provide the foundational inputs required for C-DAS to function effectively. C-DAS may serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced digital systems in the longer term.

Conclusion

C-DAS technology is being developed by Ceit to enhance railway operations. This technology aims to improve energy efficiency, punctuality, and overall network capacity. Integration with TMS and the establishment of standards are key to the successful implementation of C-DAS. While challenges remain, C-DAS is seen as a transitional solution towards more automated railway systems.

Company Summary

Ceit: A technology center and one of the 25 founding members of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail).

Technology

C-DAS: Connected Driver Advisory Systems. Links trains directly to traffic management systems, enabling continuous two-way communication and providing adaptive advice that reflects current operating conditions. C-DAS is also seen as a transitional solution: a way to deliver immediate operational benefits while preparing networks and rolling stock for future ATO integration.

ATO: Automatic Train Operation. A technology that promises major performance gains by automating certain driving tasks, improving headways, and boosting overall capacity.

TMS: Traffic Management Systems. These systems play a central role in coordinating the movement of trains across a network, ensuring that paths are allocated efficiently and conflicts are minimized.

IL: Integration Layer. It serves as the technical interface that translates and harmonises data exchanged between the two systems, ensuring that train schedules, paths, and operational updates generated by the TMS can be delivered in a consistent and timely manner to the C-DAS.

SS-126: Standard communication protocol already applied in ATO.

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