On 6 February 2026, the European Commission adopted an Implementing Regulation laying down requirements for the interoperability of data sharing in rail transport through a new Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) on telematics (TSI Telematics).
The TSI Telematics establishes a common framework for non-discriminatory and transparent data sharing in the rail sector, in line with Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (the Data Act), supporting the digital transformation of the European rail system.
Key elements of the TSI Telematics include:
- business-to-business obligations to share data, together with rights to access and use data;
- a harmonised data format based on a common ontology (the ERA Ontology);
- requirements on data quality, cybersecurity and the safe use of data for railway operations;
- the deployment of European “one-stop shops” for digital capacity and traffic management;
- the designation of the European Union Agency for Railways as system authority for the digitalisation of rail communications, with a clear compliance framework.
Passenger information and ticketing data
For passengers, the TSI requires that journey planning, passenger information and ticketing data be made publicly available, free of charge, via national access points, in accordance with EU standards. This includes, in particular:
- timetables and planned services;
- connection times and conditions of carriage;
- station accessibility information;
- real-time and forecast train positions.
Tickets must be made available up to five months in advance, in line with EU rules. The TSI also sets harmonised requirements for tickets and multi-operator booking systems, supporting future initiatives on single digital booking and ticketing.
Freight service
For freight transport, the TSI supports end-to-end digital capacity and traffic management and strengthens intermodal integration, notably through:
- the digital connection of multimodal freight terminals to the hinterland;
- extended digital tracking and tracing functions for rail freight services;
- support for paperless freight transport, including the use of the electronic consignment note (eCN) in line with the eFTI Regulation.
The TSI will enter into force on 2 March 2026, the twentieth day following the publication of the Regulation.