The European Commission has adopted a new implementing regulation that establishes harmonized rules for data exchange in rail transport in the European Union. The act introduces a new technical specification for interoperability (TSI) for telematics, designed to standardize how data is shared between operators, infrastructure managers, and digital platforms.
At first glance, it seems like a technical measure. In reality, it is a major strategic step towards the complete digitization and standardization of how data flows in the European rail system.
What it replaces and why it matters
The new European regulation replaces two old sets of European rules: TAP TSI (for passenger transport) and TAF TSI (for freight transport), adopted in 2011 and 2014. These already set standards for data exchange between operators and infrastructure managers, but they were separate and technologically outdated.
With the new regulation, the EU is unifying and modernizing these frameworks at a time when digitization, interoperability, and access to data are becoming essential for the functioning of the single railway market.
In short, Brussels is trying to put together the “digital puzzle” of the European railway.
What this means for passengers
One of the most visible changes concerns passenger information and ticketing data.
The new TSI requires the provision of standardized data for:
- timetables and connections
- conditions of carriage
- station accessibility
- real-time train location and estimates
- train composition
- traffic history
This data must be made available through national access points, free of charge and in formats harmonized at European level.
An important element is also the synchronization with the new rules on infrastructure capacity: tickets should be available up to five months in advance, in line with the timetable.
In addition, harmonized requirements are introduced for:
- connection times between modes of transport
- multi-operator reservation systems
- interoperability of sales platforms
All of this paves the way for future initiatives on “single digital booking” – i.e., the possibility to book journeys operated by multiple carriers in a single transaction.
For passengers, the stakes are simple: more transparency, more consistent information, and, in theory, a smoother booking experience.
What this means for operators
For operators and infrastructure managers, things are more complex.
The new TSI establishes business-to-business obligations on data sharing, in accordance with the Data Act. In practice, access to data is no longer an optional or bilateral matter, but becomes part of a harmonized European framework.
The regulation introduces:
- a common data format based on the “ERA Ontology“
- data quality requirements
- cybersecurity standards
- rules on the use of data for operational safety
It is also a key tool for implementing the new rules on rail capacity management, including the development of digital “one-stop shops” for capacity and traffic management.
In other words, data is becoming critical infrastructure.
ERA’s role strengthened
Another strategic element is the strengthened role of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), designated as the system authority for the digitization of communications in the railway sector.
The ERA will have clear responsibilities in terms of:
- technical coordination of digitization
- maintaining the common ontology
- compliance framework and implementation deadlines
This marks a centralization of digital governance at European level in an area where implementation has been more fragmented until now.
Impact on freight transport
In the freight segment, the new regulation fully integrates the intermodal ecosystem into railway processes and facilitates the digital connection of multimodal terminals to the railway network.
Digital train tracking functions are extended, including for block trains in railway service facilities.
In addition, the act aligns with Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 on electronic freight transport information (eFTI) and introduces requirements for the electronic consignment note (eCN), with the aim of reducing paper documents.
For freight operators, this means additional pressure to digitize, but also potential increased efficiency in logistics chains.
Beyond the technical: the strategic stakes
Beyond the technical jargon, the new regulation is an essential piece in building the Single European Railway Area.
Standardized data formats, non-discriminatory access, and interoperability obligations reduce market fragmentation and limit digital barriers between member states.
For ticketing platforms, independent operators, and new market entrants, harmonizing the rules can create a more predictable playing field. For companies operating closed or proprietary systems, the pressure to adapt will increase.
For passengers, the changes will not be visible overnight. But in the medium term, they could mean more consistency in information, integration between operators, and—eventually—a simpler booking system at the European level.
The new TSI is not just a technical act. It is the invisible infrastructure of the future of European railway digitization.
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