The development of high speed railways around the world is characterised by two important trends. On the one hand, high speed is undergoing major expansion all over the world, both in terms of the construction of new lines and the development of new industrial products and technological achievements, etc. On the other hand, globalisation (information, production and marketing) of everything relating to transport, industry, business and knowledge, is leaving its mark on the relationship between countries and presenting us all with a real challenge.

Within this context, high speed rail, like any other rail system, has always required a complete and detailed set of standards not only regarding technical and operational aspects but also commercial, environmental, safety, security and legal matters, etc.

The required standards have traditionally been developed at national level (or even within each railway) but more recently, due to the emergence of continental and transcontinental networks and given the global dimension of many of the components of any rail system, it has become necessary to adopt a set of common standards, procedures and rules, etc.

The many different bodies at global level (authorities, associations, etc.) have produced a long list of documents (mandatory or recommended) to be taken into account, for both existing and recently implemented railway systems.

The European Railway Agency and the International Union of Railways have proposed a joint discussion session focusing on the creation of a global framework for technical and operational standards for high speed rail systems, with the aim of explaining, outlining and clarifying the status and the purpose of the different levels of railway regulatory texts.

This event, taking the form of an educational workshop on high speed rail standards, will be held at UIC HQ. in Paris on 15 October 2010, and is expected to be attended by the different players involved in the design, development, approval and application of various rail standards and regulations.

The workshop should also serve as an opportunity for participants to reflect on how the entire process can be improved and identify the main areas and priorities.

Objectives

The main points of the programme will be as follows:

• Need for and objectives of the railway standards
• Different levels of responsibility and commitment
• Type and level of standard: technical (infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, etc.), commercial, legal, industrial, etc.
• Players involved in the railway standardisation process: design, development, approval and application
• The future of international (European, global) railway standards

Who is expected to attend the workshop?

The workshop will be attended by technical authorities, experts, and those who develop and use standards from:

• Railway companies
• Railway authorities
• International associations and bodies
• Supply industry
• Universities
• Research centres
• Notified bodies
• Consultants

The workshop will be held in English and the fee is 150 €.