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ADVERTORIAL
DirectTrains’ successful test paves the way for sustainable parcel delivery by rail. Dr Leah Mandler, VP Marketing; Moti Topf, the CTO and Alberto Mandler, the CEO from the organisation explain more
Breakthrough on dynamic train coupling technology
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hen DirectTrains (DTS) first suggested the concept of coupling and decoupling high-mass trains in motion on a railway line it was met with scepticism, with some even describing it as science-fiction. However, the rail technology startup developing aerospace-inspired solutions for the transportation industry has proved the doubters wrong, successfully completing the first field test of the Dynamic Coupling (DC) system. “Many claimed it wouldn’t be possible, but we knew air refuelling can be done, so although we knew it wouldn’t be a simple task, we were confident,” explained Alberto (Tito) Mandler, the CEO of DTS. “It has been difficult to convince the industry, but this successful test demonstrates that our vision for transforming rail transport is becoming a reality.” DirectTrains technology allows parcel trains to piggyback onto scheduled passenger or freight trains, coupling and decoupling at speed without occupying track time. Its potential is not only in increasing rail capacity and adding significant operating flexibility, but it also offers reduced energy consumption providing a much better service, without building a single metre of new track. The recent tests, conducted in collaboration with French engineering partner company CERTIA, demonstrated the DC system’s ability to couple and
decouple high-mass trains in motion on a real railway line. Using full-scale, 22.5-tonne carts for real-life coupling scenarios, the tests validated the precision and smoothness of the operation, even passing the water cup test, with no spillage from a cardboard cup placed on the fixture during the coupling. Moti Topf, Chief Technology Officer, said: “Three days of testing ended successfully and demonstrated the smoothness of the system connecting the trains. The ‘cup test’ showed what would be felt by the passengers when the trains connected, highlighting the flexibility, possibilities and advantages.” The technology comprises a DC wagon – attached to the front or rear of a train – and a software platform that maps and manages coupling points. Both physical and software components have been designed for seamless installation on existing rolling stock with no modifications required to infrastructure, signalling systems, or regulations, making it compatible with any existing railway operation. The company’s CEO is confident this breakthrough opens new possibilities for middle-mile parcel delivery using existing rail networks. “Railway companies initially thought what we wanted to do would be impossible, but now that we’ve been successful with the testing people are starting to take notice,” he said. “Over the last few years we’ve been working hard in reducing the friction of adoption. The initial concept
August 2025
was around doing the installation on the train, but that would require trains to be in the depot for modification and certification. Therefore, we decided to provide a full coupling wagon, based on the most common existing car today, so that customers can easily connect dynamic coupling wagons to any train in the standard way trains and wagons are connected.” Dr Leah Mandler, Co-Founder and VP Marketing, added: “What we are bringing is a concept of reusing and retrofitting what is already there. We’re challenging the way people think by offering them something different – the ability to connect, disconnect, combine trains like Lego.” Following the successful testing, the company founded by aerospace industry veterans, will now proceed to pilot testing in collaboration with parcel delivery companies and railway operators on operational lines with various signalling systems. Tito added: “The vision is to improve the world, bringing a new idea that aims to make rail transport sustainable without costly infrastructure changes. The next step is to run a test on a fully-integrated line with signalling. We’re now looking for visionary partners, with a view to taking our solution to Europe, UK and the US later on this year. “This is a product that will work on passenger and freight trains, although freight is our first target.” https://directrains.com/