Project Objectives
EUDDplus project aims at the development of an innovative vehicle concept for both – passengers and freight – characterised by interoperability and inter-connectivity, for cross-border operation on the Transeuropean Network, supported by advanced mechatronics and on-board electronics. Since the driver's desk represents the command & control core of the train, it also includes the driver MMI for all relevant internal and external information and communication system interfaces.

EUDDplus phase 1 represents the logical and necessary link between the successful FP 5 project European Driver's Desk (EUDD) and the large-scale exploitation of that driver's desk concept, advanced in ergonomics, safety and life cycle cost, which was an important “crystallisation point” for the EC funded Integrated Project MODTRAIN.

Simultaneously EUDDplus uses the findings of the MODTRAIN project, in which the EUCAB working area elaborated the harmonised driver's cab system requirements specs of the future.
The European driver's desk with harmonized configuration and controls unifies many operative key processes in the European Rail system which causes a reduction in training effort of drivers. There will be also a cost reduction due to increased flexibility of staff assignment. Lower maintenance costs for the modular desk and its components occur because the needed mass-production-spare parts are cheaper than for each railway customized ones. Summarized Life Cycle Costs are additionally reduced as a result of the lower locomotive price. With the future harmonized and unified driver's desk it should be possible to operate within the whole European rail network. Simplification of the locomotive homologation will be supported and decreases the future effort for permission result in monetary benefit. The optimum ergonomic configuration of the desk elements and of the situation-adjusted information presentation makes a contribution to safe vehicle-guidance and adequate reaction in dangerous/unexpected situations. In this context the replacement of electro-mechanical displays by fully electronic ones is also helpful. Due to improved driver working conditions and thus safer rail transport operation, accidents and their subsequent costs can potentially be reduced.