KeTech C-DAS: UK Rail Energy Savings & Punctuality

KeTech’s C-DAS, a new railway system, promises major energy savings and improved punctuality. Real-time driver advice optimizes train operations.

KeTech C-DAS: UK Rail Energy Savings & Punctuality
September 16, 2025 2:55 pm

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Introduction

KeTech’s Connected Driver Advisory System (C-DAS) is designed to improve railway operations by providing real-time advice to train drivers, leading to reduced energy use, enhanced punctuality, and decreased wear on rolling stock. This system integrates live signalling data, train running information, and working timetables.

Real-time Impact

KeTech’s C-DAS offers substantial benefits, including reductions in cost and energy usage. If implemented across the UK network with a 20% gain, it could equate to over £860 million in annual energy savings without necessitating changes to rolling stock or infrastructure. The system also helps to reduce carbon emissions. This is particularly beneficial for freight services, where trains often lack regenerative braking and rely on friction brakes.

Versatility Across Operations

KeTech’s C-DAS is suitable for passenger and freight operations. The system’s predictive capabilities are particularly advantageous for heavy trains, often diesel-powered, operating on routes with variable traffic or frequent signal checks. For modern hybrid locomotives, the system optimizes the use of battery power and recharging through braking.

Digital Railway Integration

KeTech’s solution is built to work with existing industry data feeds, including DARWIN and class B standard signalling. The system is deployable now and designed to integrate with digital signalling systems like ERTMS and ETCS. Where ETCS and ETRMS are not available, KeTech’s C-DAS replicates the intelligence in the form of live driver advice. The system also feeds data back into the wider system, assisting operators and Network Rail in refining timetables and optimizing capacity planning.

System Design and Development

KeTech’s C-DAS provides dynamic speed advice by integrating live signalling, timetables, and real-time train running data. This results in smoother journeys, with fewer abrupt stops and improved energy efficiency. The system, built on multiple real-time data feeds, uses advanced algorithms to process complex data and deliver actionable insights directly to the driver. KeTech has developed the system with a deep understanding of the operational and technical data and challenges of the railway.

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Conclusion

KeTech’s C-DAS provides real-time advice to train drivers, leading to reduced energy use, enhanced punctuality, and decreased wear on rolling stock.

KeTech

KeTech is a company that specializes in intelligent, real-time train operation. Its C-DAS provides dynamic speed advice by integrating live signalling, timetables, and real-time train running data.

C-DAS

Connected Driver Advisory Systems (C-DAS) helps train drivers make better decisions in real time. By connecting to live signalling data, train running information, and working timetables, it advises on optimal driving. The impact is immediate: reduced energy use, improved punctuality, and less wear on rolling stock.

DARWIN

DARWIN is a data feed that KeTech’s C-DAS is built to work with.

ERTMS

European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a digital signalling system that KeTech’s C-DAS is designed to integrate with.

ETCS

European Train Control System (ETCS) is a digital signalling system that KeTech’s C-DAS is designed to integrate with.

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