UIC eNews

Building a sustainable future: the UIC-KORAIL 2026 IRaTCA training session concludes its three year roadmap

2026-04-29T10:00:00Z

Hosted by the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) from 6 to 10 April, the 2026 UIC–KORAIL International Railway Training Centre for UIC Asia (IRaTCA) training session successfully concluded in Seoul under the theme “Strategic Dialogue for the Future in Railway”. This third session marked the final phase of a three year sustainability roadmap, evolving from policy learning in 2024 and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practice sharing in 2025 to the joint development of regional policies in 2026.

The session brought together 16 key representatives from 10 countries, fostering strong cooperation across the Asia Pacific rail network. East Asia was strongly represented, with participation from the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), China Railway (CR), the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS), the China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. (CRECC), and Ulaanbaatar Railways (UBTZ) of Mongolia, all contributing valuable regional perspectives. Engagement was further strengthened by participants from Vietnam Railways, Thailand's Department of Rail Transport (DRT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines, and Malaysia's Railway Assets Corporation, alongside experts from the Indian Ministry of Railways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), and the Department of Transport Victoria of Australia.

The five day curriculum was a joint achievement of UIC and KORAIL's IRaTCA International Cooperation Department, led by Director Ki dong Kwon, Deputy Director Hak soo Kim, and Managers Won young Park and Na won Yang. The programme successfully integrated global sustainability frameworks with regional operational priorities through a wide range of expertise:

Technical innovation: Specialists from KORAIL and the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) delivered sessions on the Korean Emissions Trading Scheme (K ETS) and eco friendly railway technologies.
Strategic design and moderation: Lucie Anderton, UIC Sustainability Director, provided on site technical expertise and moderation in Seoul, supported by remote strategic input and preparatory work from Christine Vanoppen, Chair of the UIC Sustainability Platform.
Knowledge exchange: Each session concluded with interactive group discussions and national case presentations, encouraging open dialogue and shared learning among participants.

To anchor theoretical knowledge in practical application, participants took part in several technical field visits. At the Metropolitan Rolling Stock Depot, they observed advanced safety management systems, including robotic arms and automated parts retrieval processes. A visit to the KORAIL Human Resources Development Centre offered insight into Korea's railway workforce training framework, while a tour of Seoul Station highlighted practical ESG initiatives, such as public seating made from recycled plastic materials. A Seoul city tour further enriched the programme by providing participants with a deeper appreciation of the host country's cultural heritage.

Chin Whan Cho, Head of KORAIL's Overseas Business Headquarters, underlined the importance of the partnership, stating:
“Railways, as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, play a pivotal role in global ESG strategies. Building on the outcomes of this training series, we will continue to strengthen collaboration with UIC member countries to ensure that rail contributes meaningfully to achieving carbon neutrality.”

The programme was coordinated under the leadership of Philippe Lorand, UIC Director of Institutional Relations, Advocacy and Communications and Asia Pacific Coordinator, with the support of Yuke Li, Asia Pacific Region Adviser. The completion of this strategic cycle secured strong momentum for regional cooperation and technical excellence, paving the way for future specialised programmes within the Asia Pacific training calendar.

Upcoming 2026 training opportunities

As the sustainability cycle concludes, the UIC Asia Pacific Region has confirmed its continued commitment to capacity building through the following specialised programmes:

JR East Hospitality and Service Training: 1–5 June 202
JR East Infrastructure Management Training: October 2026

These initiatives will continue to provide a platform for regional cooperation, further strengthening connectivity and expertise across the Asia Pacific railway network.

For further information, please contact the APRA team at aprateam at uic.org.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Driving the future of rail: Key outcomes from the Rail System Forum (RSF) Plenary (April 2026)

2026-04-28T14:47:00Z

Jointly chaired by Robert Ampomah, Network Rail, and Adriano Scapati, UIC Rail System Director, on 23 April 2026, the bi-annual Rail System Forum (RSF) Plenary session brought together UIC members to discuss:

The development of technical and operational standards to foster interoperability and international cooperation, including technical leaflets, specifications, labels ,and guidelines widely adopted by UIC members.
Activities within the sectors of: Operations and safety; Telecoms and signalling; Asset management; Railway digital modelling; Infrastructure subsystem; Interfaces and interaction between infrastructure subsystem and rolling stock; Rolling stock; Energy; and Research and innovation.
The ambitious plan for the full migration and modernisation of UIC's standardisation system by 2029, through International Railway Solutions (IRSs), supported by systematic surveys and global member engagement.

The main items of the agenda of the Plenary included:

Announcement of Domenico Scida, Trenitalia, being nominated as Chair and Thierry Fort, SNCF Voyageurs, as Co-Chair of the Rolling Stock Sector
Introduction of a multi-annual business plan for the Rolling Stock Sector to ensure long-term operational and financial sustainability and greater strategic impact
Launch of the Rolling Stock Maintenance Working Group (SET 13)
Presentation of the labelling initiative within IRS 50541-00 to set out and detail the former certification (now labelling) scheme
Call for experts for the Operations Sector, to support the implementation of the UIC Strategy through operations-related activities
A presentation by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and an update of the European Technical Agenda
Sector Multi-Annual Work Programme presentations, including their status, the opt-ins for 2026-2027 and sector reports
Overview of the existing partnerships and cooperation with other standardisation and regulatory bodies in the European Union (e.g. European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), the European Committee for Standardisation/ European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CEN/CENLEC), etc.) and outside the EU.

The next RSF Plenary session will be held on 22 October 2026.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Programme published: ILCAD and TRESPAD Launch Conferences on 9-11 June 2026

2026-04-28T14:36:43Z

UIC is delighted to invite you to the international launch conferences of the 18th edition of Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) and the 5th edition of Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD) taking place in person, in English and French, at the UIC headquarters in Paris on 9 and 10 June 2026.

These events will bring together road and rail safety experts to discuss ideas and share best practices on:

Level crossing safety
Trespass prevention
Suicide prevention

Around 200 delegates are expected to attend, with 18 speakers at ILCAD and 20 at TRESPAD from around Europe, including France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, as well as from Morocco, Canada, the USA, Japan.

Alongside these conferences, an exhibition will be held with industry leaders from the sector, including the SNCF Group (France), Wavetrain (Norway), Imotion Analytics (Spain), Hitachi (France), IDS (Italy), Schweizer Electronic (France), Zöllner GmbH (Germany), Gmundener Fertigteile-Bodan (Austria), East Japan Railway Company (Japan, Paris Office), IHI Corporation (Japan), Sankosha Co. Ltd (Japan) and Universal Signalling (UK).

These companies are generously supporting the events and will showcase their innovative solutions on-site during the conferences.

Technical visits, organised with the support of SNCF Réseau, will take place on 11 June 2026.

Visit No.1: Technological Research Institute (TRI) “Railenium” (Rail Research and Innovation: https://railenium.eu/) in Valenciennes, in the north of France. Assets for simulation and testing (especially behaviour at level crossings) developed with SNCF
Visit No.2: Level Crossing N°4 in Deuil-la-Barre (north of Paris)
Visit No.3: Paris Montparnasse Station Control Centre
Visit No.4: Control Command Centre (Centre de Commandement Unique (CCU)) in Pantin, and the iconic stations of Porte Maillot and La Défense

Registration to the conference(s) will close in mid May, please click here to sign up now.

Programmes for the ILCAD and TRESPAD conferences and technical visits are available at https://www.ilcad.org/conference/ and https://trespad.org/conference/.

For the ILCAD and TRESPAD campaigns, this year, the public in general is being targeted with the slogan “Alert today – Safe tomorrow”.

More information on both campaigns can be found at:
www.ilcad.org
www.trespad.org

We look forward to seeing you in June 2026!

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Upcoming Innovation Workshop – “From tickets to accounts: designing account-based journeys”

2026-04-28T10:07:36Z

Innovation Workshops organised by the UIC Passenger Services Group explore emerging industry and technology trends and their impact on the rail sector. Each workshop brings together expert insights, interactive sessions, and hands on joint creation activities, supported by digital collaboration tools to encourage active participation and knowledge sharing.

The next workshop titled “From tickets to accounts: designing account-based journeys” will take place on 4 June 2026, from 9:00 to 15:30 at UIC in Paris. The event will be held in hybrid form, allowing participants to attend either in-person or online.

Account-based ticketing (ABT) is currently gaining momentum, as by moving fare logic to the back office, it enables media-agnostic travel, best-fare capping, faster product rollouts, lower operating costs, and a seamless passenger experience. In many contexts, it also reduces the need for pre-purchased tickets and passes. Available models include open-loop EMV, closed-loop, and app-based options, each with distinct operational, technology, and governance implications.

In this workshop, an overview of the different ABT models, their pros and cons, and their applicability to various contexts and customer segments will be presented. Best practices and lessons learned from real-world case histories will be shared, alongside present approaches to tackling ABT challenges in multi-operator and multi-modal settings and a decision framework to support strategic choices.

Together, the latest developments and the opportunities for the passenger rail industry will be explored.

Workshop takeaways:

Understand ABT benefits, challenges, and best practices
Understand the operational, technology, and governance implications of different ABT models
Explore standards and digital tools to streamline multi-operator, multi-modal ABT
Gain insights into how digital wallets can enable new opportunities to improve ABT
Discover how federations can pave the way for interoperability across ABT systems
Learn from real-world case studies and lessons from leading industry stakeholders
Discuss opportunities and challenges with technology experts and industry peers
Attend breakout sessions, conducted in a digital collaborative workspace
Contribute with colleagues on how to make an impact on passenger rail

Registration for the workshop is now open. Please sign up at link.

Read the Innovation Workshop Flyer:

Save the date for two additional innovation workshops planned in 2026:

From chat to action: will Agentic AI transform the travel experience?
Rome and online, 10 September 2026
From mass to one-to-one in rail: real-time hyper-personalised information and offers
Paris and online, 28 October 2026

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC hosts the Wagon Damage Settlement Group (the Lucerne Group)

2026-04-27T12:08:55Z

On 22 and 23 April 2026, UIC had the privilege of hosting an in-person meeting of the Wagon Damage Settlement Group.

Founded in Lucerne in 2012, this study group was launched after the observation was made that many parties to the General Contract of Use for Wagons (GCU) interpret the agreement, assess liability issues, and, in particular, handle the settlement and processing of freight wagon damage claims in different ways. Representatives of the former German-speaking state railways therefore decided to meet regularly to share views and have clear discussions.

The Lucerne Group provides a forum for discussing current problem cases, clearing up misunderstandings, and finding common approaches to the interpretation of the GCU and the handling of freight wagons. In particular, personal contact with claims adjusters from the member companies facilitates the processing of claims.

To date, the group already has representatives from Luxembourg though CFL Cargo S.A., Germany through DB Cargo AG, Hexafret from France, Rail Cargo Austria AG, and Switzerland through SBB Cargo AG, with more joining soon!

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

FRMCS Mega Meeting: Aligning the next steps

2026-04-22T12:49:48Z

On 24 and 25 March, UIC hosted a plenary meeting bringing together the railway experts of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) working groups. This “FRMCS Mega Meeting” represented a key opportunity to align on functional and technical issues of this next generation rail communication standard.

The meeting gathered 42 rail communications experts from several UIC working groups and the ERA telecom team. Its primary goals were to facilitate direct discussions, clarify key functional and technical dependencies, and ensure that all FRMCS activities remain aligned.

We are currently in a pivotal phase of the UIC Plan for the introduction of the FRMCS for railways, which was established in 2019, with all milestones executed in time.

The discussions focused heavily on the delivery of the final iteration of the Version 3 (V3) specifications, which will officially define the FRMCS 1st Edition – the GSM-R succesor.

To achieve this, two key milestones must be met. The first is the delivery of Version V3p of the specifications, planned for November 2026. This version will be fully aligned with Version 3 (V3), pending final inputs from the FP2-MORANE-2 project. The second and final target is the delivery of the ERA-approved V3 set of FRMCS specifications, planned for December 2027.

This collaborative effort ensures that the FRMCS 1st Edition is expected to be available on schedule. This will provide railways and the suppliers industry with a robust, standardised framework for both GSM-R replacement and the future of digital rail operations.

For more information on UIC FRMCS and the FP2 MORANE 2 project (funded by Europe's Rail), please visit the websites below:
https://uic.org/rail-system/telecoms-signalling/frmcs
https://www.fp2morane2.eu/

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

World Public Transport Day 2026: mobilisation from the UIC community

2026-04-22T08:20:31Z

On 17 April 2026, the global transport community came together to celebrate World Public Transport Day, an initiative led by UITP (the International Association of Public Transport), with UIC as a privileged partner.

As part of its mission to promote rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility worldwide, UIC actively supported this initiative, highlighting the essential contribution of rail to the decarbonisation of transport systems and the importance of strengthened cooperation across all public transport modes.

In the lead-up to the event, UIC invited its Members to actively engage in the campaign by sharing messages, showcasing their initiatives, and amplifying the visibility of World Public Transport Day across social networks.

The response from the UIC community was inspiring. Among the contributions, JR East stood out, notably through a video message from the UIC Chair (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7450901802251743232), reaffirming the central role of rail in sustainable mobility. Other Members such as VIA Rail Canada, Etihad Rail and RSSB, as well as partners including APTA, also actively supported the initiative. These contributions illustrate the diversity and strength of the UIC network, united around a common objective: positioning public transport, and rail in particular, as a key driver of climate action.

UIC staff also contributed by amplifying the campaign on LinkedIn, further strengthening its visibility and outreach.

UIC will continue to build on this momentum by promoting the outcomes of this collective mobilisation and reinforcing its collaboration with UITP and its partners.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

First UIC Passenger Week: a new hub for ecosystem-wide exchange

2026-04-22T07:50:34Z

UIC organised its first-ever Passenger Week from 13 to 16 April 2026, bringing together over 200 participants from 35 countries and 93 companies. This inaugural edition confirmed both the strong collective commitment to improving the passenger journey across modes and borders, and, crucially, revealed Passenger Week as a new space for dialogue and sharing between the different actors of the mobility ecosystem: railways, public transport stakeholders, technology and distribution partners, stations, public authorities, and passenger representatives. With the support of four sponsors and four media partners, the week demonstrated how UIC members and partners are turning shared discussions into practical, interoperable solutions, with a particular emphasis on multimodality ticketing.

The week opened with dedicated sessions for UIC working group experts, offering a collaborative setting to progress technical work and advance ongoing projects within the UIC Passenger ecosystem.
This expert-focused start ensured that discussions across the rest of the week could build on concrete deliverables, shared methods and operational realities.

The highlight of the week was the Open Day, designed to be accessible to a broad range of stakeholders. The morning focused on multimodality ticketing, blending forward-looking insights with hands-on examples. Participants explored key market trends and lessons learned, and UIC presented the Open MultiModal Toolkit (OMMT) as a practical enabler for integrated mobility services. A series of real-world use cases illustrated how interoperability is being implemented in practice, including both national approaches to distribution and regional solutions, such as interoperable barcodes, as well as concrete pathways taken by organisations in Belgium and Germany. The discussion also covered cross-sector integration, focusing on Air+Rail cooperation and providing an airline perspective on how rail can be embedded into wider travel chains.

In the afternoon, the Open Day continued with a high-level conference that brought rail and public transport leaders together around a shared ambition: Together for global excellence, shaping passenger mobility services. Keynotes and roundtables helped frame current needs and expectations, including contributions from UITP and passenger representatives. Several sessions then focused on the voice of passengers and how customer experience is influencing choices in service design, information, comfort and reliability. Quality of service and standardisation were also discussed through concrete examples, including innovation initiatives at major stations and widely adopted smart ticketing solutions, complemented by perspectives from European and international stakeholders. Further exchanges highlighted the respective roles of operators, station actors and public bodies in delivering sustainable mobility, before a final, forward-looking session, dedicated to innovative passenger solutions developed through UIC collaboration, featured contributions from rail companies, technology partners and industry experts. The day closed with networking opportunities during the gala cocktail, extending discussions beyond the sessions and supporting new project connections.

The final two days were reserved for the Passenger Services Group (PSG) and the Global Passenger Forum (GPF), two key strategic and governance meetings for UIC passenger activities, ensuring continuity between the technical advances showcased earlier in the week and the longer-term direction of UIC's passenger agenda.

Across the week, customer experience and accessibility remained central priorities. The work of the PASSAGE group highlighted progress on accessibility, staff skills and more inclusive services in a multimodal environment, including its International Railway Solution on assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, reflecting a shared ambition across UIC and UITP to ensure public transport is inclusive and designed around passenger needs.

Knowledge exchange for everyday mobility was also strengthened through the Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) initiative. Following the success of the previous edition in Paris (2025), UIC announced that the 9th CRTS Training would take place in Barcelona in October 2026, and that the first regional edition would be held in Johannesburg (UIC Africa region) in May 2026.

Passenger Week also showcased how rail can deliver inspiring travel experiences through Rail Tourism, notably via the TopRail initiative and the Tourism-Friendly Awards, which recognise innovative projects across rolling stock, onboard services, scenic lines, stations and rail tourism initiatives, highlighting sustainability and high-quality passenger experiences.

Railway stations were presented as increasingly strategic interfaces for sustainable urban mobility, through the work of the Stations Managers Global Group (SMGG). UIC also shared the results of the Brunel Awards 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements in railway architecture, engineering and design.

Finally, high-speed rail remained a major focus, with discussions addressing global developments, research and standards, cooperation platforms such as the UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail, and the need to expand skills and training to support growth. Participants also explored how to scale high-speed systems responsibly, including through new markets and evolving financing approaches in support of the mobility transition.

A dedicated exhibition showcased the passenger mobility achievements delivered by UIC in 2025 and 2026. The exhibition placed a particularly strong emphasis on the work of the Stations Managers Global Group (SMGG), which presented the results of the prestigious Brunel Awards 2025, recognising outstanding achievements in railway architecture, engineering and design. This year's edition received 117 submissions from 23 companies across 12 countries and three continents, reflecting a global commitment to advancing rail design. The competition featured four main categories: Stations; Rolling stock (passenger and freight); Industrial product & graphic design; and Technical infrastructure & environment.

Alongside this flagship focus, the exhibition also highlighted UIC projects across customer experience and accessibility, rail tourism, CRTS, intercity and high-speed rail, as well as ticketing and passenger services, with particular attention paid to key deliverables such as OSDM, OMMT and MERITS.

UIC would like to warmly thank the 300 experts from its 28 active working groups for their outstanding cooperative work, which continues to demonstrate the strength of international collaboration in addressing global mobility challenges.

UIC also extends sincere thanks to the event sponsors EY, Hit Rail, Wiremind and Distribusion, as well as to the media partners IRJ, Railway Pro, Ferpress and Via Libre, for their support and contribution to the success and

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Freight Forum Spring Session: Presentation of the 2026 - 2028 roadmap

2026-04-17T10:48:47Z

On 14 April 2026, the UIC Freight Forum Spring Session, coordinated by Joost Overdijkink, UIC Freight Senior Advisor, opened with a clear and future-focused message from François Davenne, UIC Director General, who highlighted the freight community's crucial role in the railway sector.

He began by updating the participants that, since the last Freight Forum in October 2025, Bertrand Minary has taken up the role of Freight Director. His upcoming work will shape the Freight Strategy 2026-2028, built on UIC's strategic pillars, and focus on direction, coherence, and impact.

François Davenne also highlighted Clemens Först's substantial contribution, both as CEO of Rail Cargo Group and Chair of this Forum, whose leadership has strengthened the visibility and influence of rail freight across Europe. A new call for candidates is now open for the position of Chair of the Freight Forum, an important step for ensuring continued progress and partnership.

He also reaffirmed UIC's role as the technical backbone of the rail sector, driving system transformation through major initiatives such as the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), Digital Automatic Coupling, interoperability standards, and supporting European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)/European Train Control System (ETCS) deployment.

The session drew strong participation, reflecting growing engagement within and a revitalisation of the Freight Forum.

Minary then set out the roadmap for 2026–2028, highlighting a collaborative, bottom up approach and introducing six pilot areas to steer delivery. These focus on areas such as advocacy, global standards, operational development and improved service provision, building on the core strengths of UIC Freight in support of its members and the wider rail sector. An update was also given on progress and current priorities across these areas of expertise: wagon utilisation, loading guidelines, data exchange, combined transport, the transport of dangerous goods, operations, exceptional consignments, quality management and continental freight corridors.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Driving harmonised railway safety: HARMO COSMERA and the UIC Latin America Safety Taskforce hold their second risk assessment workshop

2026-04-17T07:36:15Z

UIC recently organised the second of two online workshops on risk assessments between the experts of the UIC Harmonised Risk Assessment Method for Safety (HARMO COSMERA) Project and the UIC Latin America Safety Taskforce, strengthening interregional cooperation in railway safety. The second session in the workshop series continued previous discussions from the HARMO COSMERA initiative with different UIC Regions on harmonised risk assessments.

The meeting took a transversal approach to how risk assessment is handled on both sides of the Atlantic. An overview of the risk assessment approach in Europe, which is based on the Common Safety Method (CSM), was provided by David de Bustos, from SGS, consultant for the HARMO COSMERA Project. This was followed by a presentation from Francisco Cabrera, UIC Project Manager, on the project itself. Then, the different perspectives in countries across Latin America were explained.

Risk assessment in Argentina, presented by Alejandro Leonetti, Argentine Railways (Ferrocarriles Argentinos)
Risk assessment in Chile, Raul Cepeda, Chilean State Railways (EFE)
Risk assessment in Mexico, presented by Ing Belen Cortes and Daniel Telles, Mexican Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport
Risk assessment in Colombia, presented by Jairo Espejo, Lecturer at the Universidad Los Andes in Bogotá

The workshop concluded with a Q&A and general discussion, allowing the participants to share knowledge, compare experiences, and identify future opportunities for collaboration.

Through HARMO COSMERA, UIC is continuing to strengthen harmonisation and improve railway safety across Latin America and beyond, thereby focusing on central topics for the railway community around the world.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Passenger Week 2026: Shaping the future of global passenger mobility through innovation, multimodality and cooperation

2026-04-15T11:59:55Z

From 13 – 16 April 2026, the UIC Passenger Department is holding its first ever Passenger Week at the UIC Headquarters in Paris with around 200 participants attending in person and online, representing more than 20 passenger transport organisations from 18 countries across several UIC regions.

More than a first edition, this event marks a strategic milestone in positioning UIC as a global platform driving the transformation of passenger mobility systems.

Over the course of four days, this brand-new international event brings together UIC technical group meetings and includes a flagship “open” day, welcoming a broad range of stakeholders from across the passenger rail sector: CEOs and senior executives of passenger business units from railway companies, mobility leaders, industry experts, associations, IT providers, institutional representatives, and academics.

The aim of Passenger Week is to create structured opportunities to connect, exchange expertise, and explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of passenger mobility services. At a time of accelerating climate urgency, rapid urbanisation and evolving passenger expectations, these exchanges contribute to positioning rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility systems.

Moreover, a key dimension of this week is the collaboration across the wider public ecosystem in the shape of UIC's joint engagement with UITP in the World Public Transport Day on 17 April. This initiative reflects a coherent vision of the future of mobility and a common vision to promote public transport as a cornerstone of sustainable mobility worldwide.

This shared ambition was strongly echoed by Gautier Brodeo, President of UITP, who highlighted the need to deliver “seamless, multimodal, passenger-centric mobility” and to ensure that public transport remains “the backbone of sustainable cities and regions.”

Opening remarks and keynote speeches
The event was officially opened by UIC Director General François Davenne, who emphasised:
“We are meeting at a pivotal moment. Across the world, mobility systems are undergoing profound transformation. The urgency of climate action is increasing. Cities are growing and becoming more complex. Passengers are more demanding, more connected, and more attentive to the quality, reliability and simplicity of the services they use. At the same time, digital technologies and innovation are opening new possibilities for how mobility is designed, operated and experienced. In this context, the question is not only how we adapt, but how we lead.”

In his keynote address, Gautier Brodeo, President of UITP, reinforced this perspective by underlining that “passengers are at the heart of public transport” and calling for stronger cooperation across the mobility ecosystem to deliver integrated and accessible services.

Federica Santini, Chair of the UIC Global Passenger Forum, delivered an inspiring speech, in which she said: “We are confronted with a set of profound and interconnected challenges – and, as is often the case, with the opportunity to turn them into drivers of progress. We need to accelerate the digital transformation of our services, actively support the decarbonisation of transport, respond to increasing competition from other modes and new market players, and adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks, while at the same time strengthening the resilience of our sector in the face of major global disruptions. Above all, we must never lose sight of our primary objective: serving our passengers. Their expectations continue to rise, particularly in terms of simplicity, reliability, transparency and quality of service throughout the entire journey.”

A dynamic programme
The week's programme covers a mix of technical sessions, open discussions and high-level meetings, all designed to foster innovation in rail transport.

While the 13 April was dedicated to UIC working group experts – providing a space for in-depth technical discussions and project development – the Open Day on 14 April was a flagship day dedicated to the theme of Multimodality, welcoming experts, partners and the general public. The sessions will continue on 15 and 16 April, hosting in particular the Global Passenger Forum (GPF), which brings together all UIC members involved in passenger transport and which represents a key platform for dialogue and sharing expertise.

Throughout the week, a common objective has emerged: translating dialogue into concrete solutions that improve the passenger journey across modes and borders.

The sessions have addressed the theme of Customer Experience, highlighting the efforts of the PASSAGE group, which is working to improve accessibility, staff skills and more inclusive rail services in a multimodal environment, as well as its International Railway Solution on assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.

This focus reflects a shared priority across UIC and UITP to ensure that public transport systems are inclusive, accessible and designed around passenger needs.

In parallel, the Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) initiative promotes high-valued knowledge exchange through workshops and trainings. After the success of the previous edition in Paris in 2025, the 9th CRTS Training will take place in Barcelona in October 2026, and the first regional edition will be held in Johannesburg (UIC Africa region) in May 2026.

Rail Tourism was highlighted through the TopRail initiative and the Tourism-Friendly Awards – which recognise innovative projects shaping the future of rail tourism across categories including rolling stock and onboard services, scenic railway lines, stations and rail tourism initiatives, highlighting sustainability and high-quality passenger experiences.

Railway Stations are becoming key interfaces for sustainable urban mobility, and this topic was highlighted through the work of the Stations Managers Global Group (SMGG) and European projects such as Rail4Cities. UIC also presented the results of the prestigious Brunel Awards 2025, which recognise outstanding achievements in railway architecture, engineering, and design.

High-speed development remained a central focus during the event, showcasing major developments, research initiatives, technical standards and global cooperation, including the UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail. Current developments are about exploring new markets, financial models in a societal vision and development of training to support the High-Speed expansion.

These developments reflect a broader ambition to scale rail solutions globally, explore new markets and develop sustainable financing models in support of the mobility transition.

Work is ongoing within the Passenger Services Group (PSG) to improve multimodal solutions, accessibility and the passenger experience. Major UIC European solutions to further simplify international ticketing, gathered in the Open Multi Modal Toolkit (OMMT), are now available for all transport modes, open to any public transport operations and public transport authorities.

In this context, cooperation with UITP, notably through initiatives such as Door2Door, plays a key role in advancing seamless and integrated ticketing between local and long-distance transport systems.

UIC will also continue to expand its Rail Academy, offering new training programmes focused on passenger transport, accessibility, station design and high-speed systems, ensuring that its members are equipped with the skills needed for the future.

Exhibition
The Passenger Week features a special exhibition showcasing the key UIC projects and achievements for passenger mobility delivered in 2025 and 2026.

The panels show how passenger rail is being shaped across several core themes including Customer Experience, Accessibility, Railway Stations, Railway Tourism, Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS), Intercity and High-Speed Rail, Ticketing and Passenger Services such as OSDM, OMMT and MERITS.

Together, these highlights celebrated innovation, design excellence, and international cooperation in passenger rail. Moreover, the UIC Passenger Department would like to thank the 300 experts from its 28 active workings groups for the outstanding cooperative job.

More broadly, they illustrate the collective capacity of the rail and public transport community to address global mobility challenges through collaboration and shared expertise.

UIC also extends a huge thank you to its sponsors EY, Hit Rail, Wiremind and Distribusion – as well as to its media partners IRJ, Railway Pro, Ferpress and Via Libre.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Register now: International Creativity and Innovation Day 2026 in the Africa Region

2026-04-15T08:30:00Z

On 21 April 2026, the dynamic world of innovation ecosystems within the railway sector will be explored, focusing on how collaboration and research drive sustainable mobility. The webinar is titled “Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainable Mobility” and will be held from 11h-13h GMT+2. It has been jointly organised by the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), a UIC member, and the UIC International Railway Research Board (IRRB), which is responsible for the Regional Competence Hubs (RCHs) for innovation and education across the six UIC regions, including Africa, and provides support, grounded in scientific rigor, through the IRRB Academic Board for Innovation.

Bringing together key industry leaders and academic experts, the session will discuss open innovation models, the integration of startups into the transport landscape, and the vital role of universities in developing the skills and technologies of the future. Participants will gain insight into global partnerships and technological transfers that are shaping smarter, more sustainable transport systems.

More information on the agenda and registration here: https://uic.org/events/international-creativity-and-innovation-day-2026-in-africa-region-innovation

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC meets with the Director General of ANESRIF during an official visit to Algiers

2026-04-15T08:20:00Z

On 7-8 April 2026, UIC Director General François Davenne met with Azzedine Fridi, Director General of the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment (ANESRIF) during a visit to the agency's premises, providing a valuable opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the two organisations.

Discussions focused on prospects for future collaboration in several key areas, including UIC Rail Academy training programmes, standardisation, telecommunications, the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), and digital transformation. It also emphasised the strategic importance of UIC's International Railway Solutions (IRSs), which are already used in Algeria and represent a solid foundation for deeper alignment and enhanced interoperability.

Both parties are looking forward to translating these constructive discussions into concrete action and building strong, long-term partnerships in support of railway development.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Africa Freight webinar “Rail freight: What is the situation and what does the future hold?”

2026-04-15T08:19:42Z

On 9 April 2026, over 200 participants joined the UIC Africa Freight webinar entitled “Rail freight: What is the situation and what does the future hold?”. The session focused on international rail freight development in Africa, with presentations from various railway companies and UIC representatives.

François Davenne, UIC Director General, opened the session, discussing the importance of safe international traffic between African countries, followed by Bertrand Minary, UIC Director of Freight and Passenger Departments, Coordinator of Middle East and Latin America Regions, who emphasised that rail freight must be integrated into global supply chains and highlighted UIC's support for operations, safety, and digitalisation.

Hakan Gunal, Senior Freight Advisor, then presented UIC's freight corridor approach using the Middle East region as a case study, demonstrating the need for harmonised rules, faster border processes, and digitalisation to create effective cross-border rail freight networks.

Mounir Mhaji, Commercial Director of Freight and Logistics, Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) which holds the UIC Africa Region chairmanship, discussed the importance of freight for the Africa region within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering an vital opportunity to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development across the continent. The company also shared its successful experience in operating corridors for phosphate and automotive traffic, showing how they handle shared infrastructure between passenger and freight services.

The Uganda Railways Corporation presented their role in connecting Uganda to global trade through the Northern and Central Corridors, linking to ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

The webinar concluded with discussions about the challenges of harmonising technical and legal standards across borders, with participants noting the importance of data collection and stable legal frameworks for successful rail freight development.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC participates in the 5th edition of the Africa Training Session on Rolling Stock Maintenance in Rabat

2026-04-13T13:55:27Z

On 3 April 2026, Henri Tsukahara, UIC Rolling Stock and Labelling Expert, participated in the 5th edition of the Africa Training Session on Rolling Stock Maintenance in Rabat, Morocco.

He introduced UIC's role and presented key principles of railway rolling stock maintenance, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, availability, and lifecycle cost optimisation.

The training session focused on maintenance levels, planning cycles, preventive and predictive maintenance approaches, and the importance of feedback from operations. It also covered the European Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) regulatory framework and highlighted future trends such as digital diagnostics, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and data-driven maintenance in a context of increasing competition and outsourcing.

The UIC Africa training sessions are organised as part of a regular annual programme focusing on safety, infrastructure, and rolling stock.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

ECOV4R's final publication: The first global framework for ecosystem services assessments in railway infrastructure projects

2026-04-13T12:32:30Z

The Ecosystem Valuation for Railways (ECOV4R) Project has successfully come to a close and published the ECOV4R Framework alongside two pilot assessments, marking a milestone for integrating ecosystem services into railway infrastructure planning, design, and management.

The ECOV4R Framework provides a structured and reproducible methodology to assess and, where feasible, monetise the positive and negative impacts of railway infrastructure on ecosystem services, supporting decision-making, business cases, and sustainability reporting.
Click here to download the ECOV4R Framework

The methodology was tested through two pilot applications:

A prospective assessment on the Cotswold Line (UK) exploring natural flood management and railway resilience
Click here to download the UK ECOV4R Pilot Assessment – Network Rail

A retrospective assessment on a section of the Palencia–León high-speed line (Spain) evaluating ecosystem service benefits from mitigation measures
Click here to download the Spain ECOV4R Pilot Assessment – ADIF

The closing webinar “Railway Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services” presented the results of three years of collaborative work, with contributions from experts from AtkinsRéalis, eftec, Network Rail, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), the Spanish railway infrastructure manager ADIF, and UIC. The session highlighted how ecosystem service valuation can support resilient, evidence-based, and nature-positive railway infrastructure.

The webinar recordings are now available on the ECOV4R project page, together with the published reports and supporting material.

UIC would like to thank all ECOV4R project members for their vital contributions to the development of the Framework and pilot applications.

Building on these results, the Sustainable Land Use Sector will continue this work under the ACORN initiative with more than 20 UIC members worldwide to further make progress on ecosystem services, biodiversity indicators, and sustainable land management across railways.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

SafeTravellers releases video on railway pilot activities

2026-04-13T10:07:30Z

Following the successful Phase 1 railway pilot held at UIC Headquarters in November 2025, the SafeTravellers Horizon Europe project has released a video presenting its vision for future border management across all transport modes, including rail.

Watch the new video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRIuOvRZeF0

The video showcases two years of research and development, achieved through close collaboration between operational partners, technology providers and transport organisations, including UIC.

The video explains the growing pressure on current border processes and shows how technologies such as Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), multi biometric verification and advanced fraud detection can support border authorities, while embedding privacy by design and full GDPR compliance from the outset.

Viewers can get a glimpse of the UIC railway pilot, where biometric passports, mobile enrolment applications and new identity verification processes were tested in a cross border rail simulated scenario to assess usability, efficiency and passenger experience. A big thank you once again to all UIC staff who participated in the pilots and contributed to their success.

Building on this work, UIC will host Phase 2 of the SafeTravellers rail pilot on 10–11 June 2026, focusing on interoperability, workflow optimisation and the integration of digital identity tools into rail specific border management procedures. The project's first pilot results will also be presented on 14 April at the World Border Security Congress in Vienna, opening the discussion to the wider border management community.

Interested UIC members and partners are encouraged to follow the project's progress, contribute to ongoing discussions and participate in the upcoming June 2026 pilot activities.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

The UIC Rail Academy announces new training courses on Human and Organisational Factors and Safety Culture

2026-04-10T13:55:58Z

The UIC Rail Academy is delighted to be launching new training sessions in 2026, dedicated to strengthening Human and Organisational Factors (HOF) and Safety Culture within the railway sector.

Taking place over two days and available in both French and English, these programmes are designed for railway professionals seeking to enhance safety management.

Course 1 – Human and Organisational Factors: A pillar for safety

The French session will take place at UIC, in Paris, from Monday 15 June (13:30) to Wednesday 17 June (12:00)

The English session will take place at UIC, in Paris, from Monday 21 September (13:30) to Wednesday 23 September (12:00)

Training objectives for Course 1:

Identify and understand the key topics covered by Human and Organisational Factors in safety management
Acquire the necessary skills to implement Human and Organisational Factors within your company
Develop leadership skills in managing safety-relevant Human and Organisational Factors

Course 2 – Creating a successful Safety Culture in a railway organisation

The French session will take place at UIC, in Paris, from Wednesday 17 June (13:30) to Friday 19 June (12:00)

The English session will take place at UIC, in Paris, from Wednesday 23 September (13:30) to Friday 25 September (12:00)

Training objectives for Course 2:

Understand the importance of a safety culture for an organisation
Identify and understand the attributes of a safety culture
Learn how to develop a safety culture in an organisation

Both courses are aimed at executives, managers, engineers, safety professionals, those with a cross-functional role, and operational managers across the railway sector.

Please find further information at: https://uic.org/expertise-development-training/uic-rail-academy/uic-rail-academy-human-and-organisational-factors-hof-section.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Assessing population exposure to noise from parked trains across Europe

2026-04-10T13:48:57Z

In 2025, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) established a Topical Working Group (TWG) on parked trains as a temporary expert body tasked with defining the concept of parked trains, setting associated noise limits, and developing assessment methodologies to support TSI revisions. This is to facilitate the implementation of the Single European Railway Area by 2028.

The group brings together sector representatives, National Safety Authorities (NSAs), independent experts and users, with the UIC Noise Vibration Sector and Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) Noise groups taking part by consolidating technical knowledge and aligning sector positions to support the discussions.

In line with this target and sector's needs, The NOise and VIbration Technical Advice (NOVITÀ) framework, as a core instrument providing technical support to the UIC Noise and Vibration Sector, has already made key analytical documents available to advance the discussion, including:

These outputs have helped define the problem, identify dominant noise sources, and clarify the gaps in current regulatory approaches.

New study: Closing the evidence gap

Building on these results, a new study has been launched under the NOVITÀ framework to address a critical missing element: A European-scale estimate of the number of people potentially affected by noise from parked trains. UIC has signed a contract with Tommasi & Tommasi srl to ensure the delivery of a robust population exposure assessment directly supporting the work of the ERA TWG.

Defining the problem and scope of the UIC study

Noise from parked trains is primarily generated by auxiliary systems (e.g. eating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), compressors, cooling fans, and power supply equipment) and can persist for several hours, particularly during night-time stabling at depots, stations, and shunting yards. While the issue has been accounted for at local level in several UIC member countries, currently, no consolidated assessment exists of how many people across Europe may be exposed to this, nor how significant it is relative to other railway noise sources.

The UIC study is designed to provide a European-scale, order-of-magnitude estimate of population exposure, based on consistent and scalable methodologies. Key components include:

European-wide inventory of train stabling sites across a representative set of countries, identified through a geospatial pipeline that combines OpenStreetMap data with AI-assisted satellite image analysis to systematically locate and classify depots, stabling yards, and terminus sidings.
Population exposure estimation, using Eurostat population data to assess how many residents live in proximity to identified stabling locations, in collaboration with the European Environment Agency (EEA) Noise Group.
Noise characterisation and regulatory analysis, consolidating existing measurement data and comparing national regulatory approaches, including the varying treatment of parking noise (in terms of railway noise versus industrial noise), to inform the upcoming Technical Specification for Interoperability relating to the subsystem ‘rolling stock – noise' (TSI NOI) revision.
UIC member engagement programme, with bilateral consultations, a benchmarking workshop, and an approval round to integrate operational knowledge from infrastructure managers and railway undertakings directly into the study.

“There is currently no systematic picture of how many Europeans live near locations where trains are parked overnight, and consequently no evidence base for deciding whether European-level limit values are needed. This study aims to fill that gap by combining open geospatial data, satellite imagery, and input from railway operators across Europe, so that the policy discussion ahead of the 2028 TSI NOI revision can be grounded in transparent, reproducible evidence” says RafDouglas Tommasi, from Tommasi & Tommasi, when asked about the study.

The Tommasi &Tommasi srl team brings together expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), environmental noise assessment, and EU regulatory frameworks, including experience with the European Commission's CNOSSOS-EU noise method and the Environmental Noise Directive.

Dissemination and next steps

Results will be shared in a technical report by September 2026 and presented at the ERA TWG meeting on 9 September 2026. The results are also expected to support discussions at the UIC Railway Noise Day activities planned during the UIC Sustainability Action Week (19-23 April 2027).

Stakeholders interested in contributing to the study or supporting this work are encouraged to join UIC groups. For further information or to express interest in collaboration, please contact noisevibration at uic.org.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Intercity & High-Speed Committee (ICHSC) Conferences held in Paris: Innovation, research and standardisation for high-speed rail

2026-04-10T12:23:16Z

On 9 and 10 April 2026, UIC hosted a series of key high-speed rail meetings at its Paris headquarters, bringing together experts, researchers, and members of the global high-speed community. The programme comprised three sessions: the High-Speed International Railway Solution (IRS) Working Group and the ICHSC Plenary Session on 9 April, followed by the Alliance of Universities for High-Speed Rail (AUHSR) Plenary Session on 10 April.

The meetings provided an opportunity to review progress on ongoing research projects, advance the development of IRSs, strengthen university-industry collaboration, and plan the next steps for the high-speed rail community.

ICHSC Plenary Session

Chaired by Huo Baoshi, China Railway, the ICHSC Plenary gathered UIC members from the high-speed rail sector around the world.

A highlight of the session was the status of the 7th edition of the UIC High-Speed Atlas 2025 (data refers to 2024) being presented, with confirmation that it will soon be published.

The session also warmly welcomed Alto as a new member of the ICHSC, reinforcing the Committee's international reach and drive. Alto is the organisation behind the Canadian High-Speed Rail Network Project.

Two keynote presentations illustrated the breadth of innovation shaping the sector:

Filip Janowiec, Cracow University of Technology, presented advanced measurement techniques using fibreoptic sensors for rail and high-speed rail infrastructure monitoring and maintenance – a technology with strong potential for enhancing asset management and safety.
Prof Thomas Sauter-Servaes, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), presented a cross-European price comparison for trains, flights, and luggage, offering practical insights into multimodal competitiveness and pricing dynamics.

Members also reviewed the progress of the ongoing UIC high-speed rail (HSR) research projects:

PAS/777 – Liber-Afford: Impact of liberalisation on HSR affordability
PAS/776 – OptSpeed: Optimum Speed for High-Speed Rail Systems
PAS/865 – HSTC: High-Speed System Transport Comparison
PAS/866 – HS-FMI: High-Speed Financial Models for Infrastructure

AUHSR Plenary Session

Chaired by Prof Li Dewei, Beijing Jiaotong University, the AUHSR Plenary Session brought together academic and industry experts to strengthen collaboration between universities and UIC platforms.

Prof Francesca Pagliara, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), was also named as AUHSR Vice-Chair. Professor Pagliara is a leading researcher in the field of high-speed rail socioeconomic impacts and brings significant expertise and international recognition to the role. UIC is delighted to have her on board.

The session highlighted strengthened partnerships between AUHSR members and UIC platforms. Within this spirit, the session announced the upcoming 6th International Symposium on High-Speed Rail Socioeconomic Impacts, to be held on 8-9 September 2026 at UNINA in Italy.

The session also featured two opening keynote speeches as part of AUHSR's regular strategic knowledge and research exchange:

Zhenhua Chen, Ohio State University, gave a presentation on approaches to evaluating the socioeconomic impact of high-speed rail systems, offering methodological insights applicable across national contexts.
Filip Janowiec, Cracow University of Technology, detailed the evolution of railway education in Poland, on the occasion of its 80th anniversary, connecting historical development with future training needs.

High-Speed IRS Working Group Meeting

The High-Speed IRS Working Group meeting was jointly chaired by Eduardo Romo, Caminos de Hierro Foundation (FCH), and Huo Baoshi, China Railway. The session made progress on the Working Group's standardisation programme, which now counts 14 IRS documents covering the full high-speed rail lifecycle.

Members reviewed and confirmed the IRS programme roadmap for the 2026-2028 period, setting a clear trajectory for the development and update of IRS guidelines in the years ahead.

Updates were also provided on IRS 70734, dedicated to the adaptation of safety installations to high-speed requirements, which has been completed and its publication is upcoming. This constitutes a notable achievement reflecting the Working Group's sustained technical effort.

The session also dedicated a substantive portion of time to the ongoing technical review of IRS 60673: Implementation of High-Speed Railway (Design Phase).

Looking ahead

The Paris meetings concluded with a clear sense of shared momentum throughout the three sessions. The next ICHSC conferences are planned for 11-12 June in Rome, hosted by Italian State Railways (FSI/Trenitalia), reflecting the important role of Italy in the global high-speed rail landscape.

The two-day event concluded with closing remarks from Michele Gesualdi and Bertrand Minary. UIC, who warmly thanked all of the participants for their contributions and invited the members to the next series of conferences in 2026.

To learn more about UIC high-speed rail projects, please visit:

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC's European Management Committee (EMC) sets strategic direction in Prague on 31 March 2026

2026-04-07T13:58:57Z

Senior representatives from railway companies, partner organisations, and the UIC headquarters convened in Prague on 31 March 2026 for the European Management Committee (EMC) meeting of UIC.

Hosted by Správa železnic in the historic Fanta Hall of Prague Main Station, the meeting marked the first session under the renewed governance following the appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Europe Region in December.

The session was chaired by Stefano Donnarumma, Chairman of the UIC Europe Region and CEO of FS Italiane, alongside UIC Director General François Davenne and UIC Director Europe Sandra Géhénot.

A central focus of the meeting was the presentation of the strategic orientations for the 2026–2027 mandate. The EMC reaffirmed its repositioning as the key strategic body for the European region, responsible for defining mandates, shaping roadmaps, and aligning collective direction across stakeholders.

The immediate priorities for the coming period are:

Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS)
Railway Ontologies
Capacity and Operational Performance

Discussions highlighted the growing strategic importance of railway ontologies, particularly in enabling interoperability and coherence across increasingly complex systems. Participants emphasised that ontologies will play a critical role in supporting emerging technologies such as digital twins and artificial intelligence, both of which depend on consistent and structured data frameworks.

The meeting also featured a preview of the study “Financing and Delivery Models for High-Speed Infrastructure,” conducted by UIC with the support of Professor Juan Montero (FSI). The study outlines three financing models and assesses their implications for scaling high-speed rail development across Europe.

As Stefano Donnarumma noted, “delivering high-speed rail at scale will require mobilising additional sources of third-party capital alongside public funding. He stressed the importance of establishing financing frameworks that are credible, predictable, and attractive to long-term investors, while preserving system coherence and public control”.

The Prague meeting marks a significant step in aligning the European rail sector around shared priorities, reinforcing the EMC's role as a strategic platform for collaboration and innovation.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Transport resilience in focus: UIC presents railway resilience indicators at ITF/OECD 12th Transport Statistics Meeting

2026-04-07T11:37:59Z

On 30-31 March 2026, UIC participated in the 12th Transport Statistics Meeting organised by the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris.

This annual ITF meeting brought together experts from OECD member countries, along with representatives of international organisations. Within an increasingly streamlined and coordinated international framework, it aims to identify common challenges and develop solutions related to transport statistics.

This year, the main focus was on transport resilience, in line with the theme of the ITF 2026 Summit on “Funding Resilient Transport”. The first session explored how transport statistics and data can be used to measure resilience, with national case studies being presented for Italy and Spain. In addition, the ITF presented its project on Enhancing the Connectivity, Sustainability, and Resilience of Regional Freight Transport in Central Asia, highlighting that freight transport resilience can be quantitatively assessed through indicators such as capacity, modal split, network redundancy, and modal substitution.

During this session, UIC delivered a presentation on a data-driven approach to measuring railway resilience, based on traffic performance data from a wide range of railway companies worldwide. The methodology enabled a set of resilience indicators derived from resilience curves, including shock magnitude, recovery duration, and loss area, to be developed. The COVID-19 disruption was used as a case study to illustrate resilience dynamics.

The second session focused on how transport data and statistics can support the prioritisation and funding of resilient infrastructure. The World Bank presented its assessment approaches and tools to evaluate transport network vulnerability, assess climate impacts on performance, estimate economic losses from disruptions, and compare adaptation options using cost-benefit analysis. This was followed by a presentation on the use of big data to support investment decisions in resilient transport infrastructure, illustrated by a case study from Brazil, and a brainstorming session on engaging statistical agencies in the governance of resilient transport.

Additional topics included the impact of artificial intelligence on official transport statistics and how national statistical institutes can maintain their relevance and credibility. Participants also presented and discussed the challenges and innovation in transport data collection and measurement, as well as opportunities to leverage data from other sectors such as energy, emissions, and tourism.

Further information on the statistics meeting will soon be available on the ITF website.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Update on the Vibration Innovation Research Event alongside sector meetings

2026-04-03T13:14:14Z

From 14 to 16 April 2026, the upcoming Noise and Vibration Sector Meeting will take place in Utrecht, Netherlands, hosted by ProRail. Twenty-one financing NOise and VIbration Technical Advice (NOVITÀ) members will convene to address emerging challenges and technical solutions in noise and vibration mitigation, with the objective of strengthening the railway sector's performance as a responsible neighbour.

In parallel to the sector meetings, ProRail will also organise the Vibration Innovation Research Event on 15 April 2026. This in-person public event, open to external experts, aims to strengthen practical knowledge sharing on vibration-related topics.

The event will cover the four-year vibration innovation programme, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management under the Innovation Agenda: Source-Based Approach to Railway Vibration . It investigated how railway vibrations arise, and which measures can effectively contribute to reducing vibration-related nuisance. The programme will include several thematic sessions:

Session 1: Reduced vibrations through rolling stock measures
Session 2: Infrastructure maintenance
Session 3: Railway Vibrations Emission Model (STEM)
Session 4: Infrastructure innovations

See below the detailed programme:
Innovation program vibrations ProRail 15th april

Attendance at the in-person Vibration Innovation Research Event is limited to 50 participants and requires prior registration via MS Forms.

The Noise and Vibration Sector Meetings are a permanent UIC NOVITÀ activity, exclusively reserved for its members. They provide a neutral and structured platform for railway undertakings and infrastructure managers to address shared strategic and technical challenges, share best practices, and define clear sector outcomes. Registration is mandatory for both in-person and online participation on 14 and 16 April, via MS Forms.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us at noisevibration at uic.org or visit https://uic.org/sustainability/noise-and-vibration/

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

UIC Opt-in project Eco Energy is coming to a close

2026-03-31T10:09:00Z

On 3-4 March 2026, the UIC Opt-in Eco Energy programme held its penultimate meeting at the UIC Headquarters in Paris, bringing together representatives from the Italian Railway Network (RFI), Infrabel, the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Manager (ADIF), the University of Toulouse Laplace, and UIC. The final session is scheduled for June and will feature a highly anticipated International Rail Solution (IRS) focused on rail energy savings.

While the terms eco and energy are widely used, within UIC they refer to a concrete, results-driven approach. Electrified railways are already among the most energy efficient modes of transport, yet UIC's goal is to help its members go further by reducing losses, optimising fixed installations, and modernising traction power supply systems.

Following an initial Europe-wide overview of energy use and related infrastructure, UIC has brought together leading experts in electrical traction power supply from European infrastructure managers. Their work has focused on practical, high-impact topics such as reducing losses in low-voltage DC systems through modern power electronics and improving performance by increasing system voltage.

At the heart of this opt-in are proven technologies: power-electronic converters such as rectifiers, inverters, phase-controlled rectifiers, and frequency converters all of which already in use across many networks today. The programme is therefore not about theoretical concepts but rather scalable solutions that infrastructure managers can implement to significantly improve energy efficiency.

These solutions also open the door to greater integration of renewable energy into railway systems and to stronger interconnections between electrical networks (railway and non-railway). This is a key task to enhance overall energy reliability and availability, as it may become both increasingly complex and less stable over time due to the growing share of renewables.

Through the Opt-in Eco Energy Project, UIC is helping to prepare the future: sharing best practices, accelerating adoption of mature solutions, and giving its members early access to the approaches that will shape tomorrow's standards.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Highlights and next steps from the Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) webinar

2026-03-30T14:53:00Z

On 17 March 2026 a webinar was held on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

This webinar was organised and delivered by UIC, ENI and Enilive. Its content was developed by members of the UIC Working Group on Combustion Engines, which monitors developments in internal combustion engine technology to ensure alignment with the needs of railway undertakings. Chaired by Czech Railways and co-chaired by Trenitalia, the group brings together experts from SNCF, DB, Renfe, SNCB, ÖBB and China Railways, and works closely with industry manufacturers represented through EUROMOT (the European Association of Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers).

We are pleased to share the following resources from the webinar:

Recording
Watch the webinar recording:

Post-webinar survey
We would appreciate your feedback. Please complete this short survey, which also includes proposed topics for future webinars:

We also appreciated the lively Q&A session, which demonstrated your strong interest. Answers to your questions can be found HERE.

Upcoming webinar
Our next webinar will take place on 15 June 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00 (CEST). It will present the project on the conversion of Italian trains to Bio-LNG for FS, by Hitachi Rail and Ecomotive Solutions. We will shortly share the registration link.

About UIC
The International Union of Railways (UIC) brings together over 200 members worldwide, representing railway operators, infrastructure managers, and transport stakeholders.

As a global standard-setter and promoter of sustainable rail transport, UIC leads efforts to develop innovative solutions for railways, ensuring the railway sector remains resilient, interconnected, and future-ready.

Stay Connected
Follow us on LinkedIn and other platforms to stay updated on UIC's activities and future events.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you at future UIC events as we continue to shape the future of rail together!

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Successful joint meeting of the UIC Security Platform New Technologies Working Group and BEHOLDER EU-project

2026-03-25T10:06:45Z

On 18 March 2026, the UIC Security Platform's New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) and the BEHOLDER EU project met for a joint in-person meeting at UIC headquarters, gathering around 30 participants.

The WG meeting focused on “Innovative technologies to detect CBRNE threats”. Several UIC members and partners shared practical experiences with CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) detection and preparedness. Presentations covered examples of the limited use of CBRNE sensors in rail operations such as: radiation monitoring systems in major Polish stations presented by Daria Kardel from PKP S.A; involvement in testing low‑cost CBRN sensors in the NEST project by João Azevedo from CP (Portugal); and Indian Railways' approach to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) preparedness and response by Sonali Mishra (IPS DG RPF).

The morning session also provided an overview of UIC's preparedness work, presented by Grigore Havârneanu and Laura Petersen. They highlighted key lessons from the UIC-led EU projects PROACTIVE, IMPRESS and CBRNE4RAIL and stressed the need for research outputs to reflect real operational constraints in the rail sector. Paula Fernández Díaz presented the results of the 58th Network of Quick Responders on Explosive Trace Detectors, showing limited use and continued reliance on state authorities and detection dogs. Then, Joost Overdijkink provided an overview of the regulatory framework for transporting dangerous goods (RID), outlining stakeholder responsibilities and UIC's role in supporting members through guidelines, best practices and international collaboration.

The afternoon session was dedicated to the EU co-funded BEHOLDER project (Build and Extend CBRN-E related Hazard-Assessment and Anomaly Detection Capabilities in Urban Environments), allowing for the technical solution providers to showcase the various CBRNE detection technologies the consortium is developing. Together, the BEHOLDER solutions aim to enhance early warning capabilities, reduce false alarms, and support decision-making processes of operators and first responders in real operational settings.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion on rail end-users' expectations, emphasising the need for reliable, low-false-alarm sensors, easily integrated into the existing security system, rail infrastructure and rolling stock, without adding another complexity layer.

This event also provided the opportunity for a high-level meeting between Sonali Mishra (IPS DG RPF Indian Railways), François Davenne (UIC Director General), Philippe Lorand (UIC Coordinator of Asia – Pacific region) and Grigore Havârneanu (Deputy Director of the UIC Security Department). The exchange allowed the initial discussion of priority topics to be further addressed in the Asia-Pacific region.

The workshop was followed by the Steering Committee (SC) meeting held on 19 March 2026 in hybrid format. The session reported on the ongoing activities of the UIC Security Platform and its strategic partners. The SC also agreed on the dates of upcoming events and key topics to be addressed in the coming months, notably the 21st edition of the UIC World Security Congress to be hosted by Irish Rail in Dublin on 3-5 November 2026.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Upcoming CRTS Africa: Strengthening commuter and regional rail services

2026-03-25T08:36:31Z

UIC is continuing to support the development of passenger rail worldwide through initiatives dedicated to Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS), which are key for improving sustainable mobility and accessibility in urban and regional areas.

Following the success of the previous eight editions, the CRTS programme is expanding its activities in Africa, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and promote knowledge sharing among railway stakeholders across the continent. The upcoming CRTS Africa event will be organised by UIC in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 to 28 May 2026.

A strategic programme for regional mobility

Commuter and regional train services play a crucial role in public transport systems, connecting urban, suburban and regional areas efficiently. These services provide a sustainable alternative to road transport while helping to reduce congestion and emissions.

The CRTS programme aims to:

Facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices among railway operators
Address challenges in the planning and operation of regional and commuter services
Promote innovative solutions to improve the passenger experience and multimodal integration
Support the development of sustainable and resilient rail systems

CRTS Africa 2026 in Johannesburg

The event will bring together railway operators, transport authorities, mobility planners, universities and international experts to discuss the key challenges and opportunities for the development of commuter and regional rail services in Africa.

The first two days will feature technical sessions, case studies, and insights into different experiences, while the final day will include a technical visit, offering participants the opportunity to discover local railway initiatives and discuss practical solutions relevant to the African context.

Sharing knowledge to support rail development in Africa

UIC's training and cooperation initiatives are increasingly engaging African railway stakeholders and contribute to strengthening expertise across the continent. Through events such as CRTS Africa, UIC aims to promote international collaboration and the development of efficient, passenger-focused regional rail services.

More information

For further details and to register, please visit: https://uic.org/events/crts-africa-web.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

3rd Edition of IRS 90940 introducing the SFERA protocol - available now

2026-03-25T08:32:00Z

Major upgrade! UIC is delighted to announce that the third edition of the International Railway Solution IRS 90940 has been published under the title “SFERA Protocol: Train Operation Data Exchange with On-Board Devices”. As can be seen from the title change, the scope and functionalities have been extended to include more than just Driver Advisory System (DAS) functions.

So, what's new? The third edition of IRS 90940 isn't simply an update; it has a full set of new features. Here's what makes this release a must-read for rail professionals, engineers, and enthusiasts alike:

1. SFERA goes multi-function: beyond DAS
No longer limited to DAS, SFERA is now a universal protocol for train operation data exchange. This evolution supports Digital Instructions (DI), and free text communication (FTC) on top of driver advisory messages. This is a gamechanger for operational flexibility and real-time decision-making.

2. Digital Instructions (DI): streamlining operational lifecycle management
The new DI function aligns with Operation and Traffic Management Technical Specification for interoperability (TSI OPE) requirements, enabling seamless digital exchanging, tracking, and management of operational instructions. This ensures consistency, reduces errors, and enhances compliance across the rail ecosystem.

3. Free Text Communication (FTC): structured, traceable, and multilingual
Not safety critical but efficiency critical! FTC introduces structured, traceable, multilingual text communication between ground systems and train drivers. Whether a last-minute route change or a maintenance alert, FTC ensures clarity and precision in every message.

4. Use cases added for DI and FTC, better coverage for existing ones
Appendix A now includes DI and FTC use cases, offering a comprehensive set of examples, as well as a roadmap for implementing these functions. From emergency protocols to routine operations, the use cases ensure clarity and practicality for real-world applications.

5. Function-based separation in a unified Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) infrastructure
The topic tree in Appendix B now has a function-based separation, allowing DAS, DI, and FTC to coexist on the same MQTT infrastructure while remaining logically distinct. This ensures improved understanding, scalability, security, and an efficient data flow without compromising integrity.

6. New payload families: DI and FTC in XSD 4.00
With SFERA XSD version 4.00, the protocol now supports dedicated message payload structures for DI and FTC. Appendices D and E detail the board-to-ground (B2G)/ground-to-board (G2B) Event/Request/Reply families, enabling seamless integration of these functions into existing and future systems.

7. XSLT Processor for European Instructions: Appendix I brings it to life
Say hello to a sample XSLT-based processor in Appendix I! This tool transforms SFERA Digital Instruction XML into human-readable, multilingual formats on board. Customisable layouts and reusable data models make it a practical, implementable example for operators worldwide.

8. Centralised reference hub: Appendix J for transparency and evolution
IRS 90940:2026 has a centralised repository in Appendix J, housing reference documents, NSP lists, implementation parameters, and protocol mappings. This public repository ensures the transparency, maintainability, and futureproofing of SFERA, decoupling evolving standards from the normative text.

Summary
The third edition of IRS 90940 is about redefining interoperability, efficiency, and safety in rail operations. By embracing SFERA's expanded capabilities, the rail industry can unlock new levels of efficiency in automation, collaboration, and innovation.

Follow SFERA's development:
Whether you are a developer, operator, or policymaker, the new edition of IRS 90940 offers a visionary framework for the future of train-ground communication.
Explore the full document, and join the movement toward a connected, intelligent rail network by staying tuned for more updates and discussions by registering for the User Group here: https://uic.org/events/irs-90940-sfera-change-requests-and-sfera-user-group.

Documents and support
Check latest SFERA workshop's output for more familiarity with the features:
https://uic.org/events/uic-sfera-protocol-train-operation-data-exchange-workshop.

For access to the full IRS 90940 document, please visit the UIC Railway Publication website: https://shop.uic.org/en/909-digitalisation-data-emerging-innovations/15061-digitalisation-data-emerging-innovations-exchange-of-data-data-exchange-with-driver-advisory-systems-das-following-the-sfera-protocol.html.

For additional support, you can also reach out to Sfera at uic.org.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

PASSAGE experts meet in Bern to advance rail accessibility

2026-03-25T08:30:00Z

On 3-4 March 2026, the 56th meeting of the Passenger Assistance System for Seamless Access and Guidance for Everyone (PASSAGE) Expert Group took place in Bern, Switzerland, hosted by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) at Bern Wankdorf. The event brought together 27 accessibility experts from across Europe, including railway specialists, representatives of passenger organisations for persons with disabilities, and colleagues from International Rail Transport Committee (CIT) to share knowledge and share best practices on inclusive rail travel.

Strengthening collaboration on accessible rail transport

The meeting opened with a welcome session and introductions, followed by a presentation from SBB on the Swiss public transport system and the company's long-standing work with organisations representing people with reduced mobility (PRM) and additional needs. This session highlighted Switzerland's integrated approach to accessible mobility and inclusive transport services.

Participants were also updated on recent developments within UIC and PASSAGE activities for 2026, including progress on training initiatives and the PASSAGE visual database supporting accessibility knowledge sharing among members.

Experts also received updates on the PRM Assistance Booking Tool (PRM ABT), which includes new features and statistics presented by UIC, as well as gaining insight into European regulatory developments, notably the implementation of the European Accessibility Act and the EU Disability Card, presented with contributions from CIT.

An interactive session then gave PASSAGE members the chance to share recent accessibility developments within their respective companies, with the discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to improve passenger information, assistance services, and inclusive infrastructure.

The meeting also addressed accessibility specifications for new rolling stock, with contributions from SBB and other PASSAGE members. The conversation focused on how design standards and operational practices can ensure better accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility in future train fleets.

Technical visit to look at multimodal accessibility

On the second day, the participants took part in a technical visit from Bern to Zürich, including Zürich Main Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) and Zürich Airport, to observe accessibility solutions implemented across different transport settings and train types.

The visit offered practical insights into how SBB ensures multimodal accessibility, enabling seamless connections between rail services and other modes of transport in Switzerland.

UIC warmly thanks SBB for their excellent organisation and hospitality, which contributed to a productive and inspiring meeting.

The next meeting of the PASSAGE Expert Group will take place in London on 10–11 June 2026, kindly hosted by Eurostar. The meeting will continue the group's work on advancing accessibility in rail transport, sharing best practices, and strengthening cooperation between railway companies, passenger organisations, and accessibility experts across the rail sector.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Railway safety experts meet in Copenhagen for GLCN and TreSP-Network Sessions

2026-03-19T15:47:54Z

On 11 and 13 March 2026, almost 60 delegates from 16 countries participated in the Global Level Crossing Network (GLCN) and Trespass and Suicide Prevention Network (TreSP Network) meetings, held both in person in Copenhagen and online. Exceptionally, the two UIC Safety Platform working groups met together, with the visit being hosted by Danish State Railways (DSB) and Trafikstyrelsen. Experts joined from Europe (Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK), as well as from the USA, Japan, and Australia.

Over two days, participants shared insights on data analysis, best practices in risk assessment, technical and innovative solutions, communication and awareness initiatives, and enforcement measures aimed at improving level crossing safety and advancing trespass and suicide prevention efforts. The meetings also included rich and insightful presentations from both the hosts and members, offering practical experiences and innovative approaches from across the global rail community.

11 March – 35th GLCN Meeting

This meeting was held at the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, with the following presentations:

Kisea Gammelgaard Sonne, Senior Vice President of Safety at DSB, opened the session by presenting DSB's crisis management processes following major incidents.
Niels Brejnberg Buch, Project Leader at the Danish National Safety Authority, presented Denmark's regulatory framework for level crossings.
Nicholai Rudbeck Zickert, Banedanmark, shared updates on level crossings within the Danish Signalling Programme, including European Train Control System (ETCS) deployment.
A particularly inspiring contribution came from Prof Gemma Read, Director of the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), who presented a newly released human factors integration toolkit to support level crossing safety. The toolkit is available at https://lnkd.in/gJKBFjwT
Representatives from INFRABEL, Annelies De Keyser and Catherine Gillard, presented two safety communication campaigns on:
- The level crossing emergency number 1711
- An awareness campaign targeting truck drivers in Belgian ports
Daniel Fisk, Head of Level Crossings and Public Safety at Network Rail, shared recent data and trends on incidents and accidents at UK level crossings.

12 March – Joint technical visits

Both groups took part in joint site visits to two operational level crossings with:

Induction loops embedded at and before level crossings to detect vehicles and send alarms to the rail control centre to prevent collisions
Anti trespass panels designed to prevent shortcuts and unauthorised access
A station equipped with intelligent cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) for trespass detection. An alarm is triggered when a person is detected on the tracks, with an alert being sent to the train driver (successfully implemented and tested at several stations).

These visits offered a hands on view of emerging safety solutions being deployed in Denmark.

13 March – 15th TreSP Network Meeting hosted by DSB

The following presentations were held:

Per Schrøder, Director of Operations at DSB, opened the session.
Sara Fog, Senior Brand Manager at DSB, presented DSB's new and innovative trespass prevention campaigns.
Martin Riishoej Mathiesen, AI Solutions Lead, and Nils La Cour, Senior Advisor at DSB and Vice Chair of the TreSP Network, highlighted their successful AI based system that detects trespassers and sends real time alarms to train drivers, enabling “drive on sight” mode at 40 km/h to prevent collisions.
Sanne Thorbøll, DSB, presented object detection systems planned for the future driverless and fully automated S train network.

Further contributions included:

Peter Allen, Enclasp Pty Ltd, Australia, presented research focused on innovative measures to prevent harm to trespassers or persons at risk.
Annette Erlangsen, Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, provided details on research results on railway suicide prevention.
Sophie Godelaine, INFRABEL, explained technical measures implemented in Belgium to prevent trespassing on tracks from platform ends.
Annelies De Keyser and Catherine Gillard, INFRABEL, gave a presentation on remediation sessions for minors who had trespassed.
Anthony Bolton and Ekaterina Engelsberg, Network Rail, presented results from a survey on trespass that had been sent to members.
Johan Fredin, Psychologist at the Karolinska Institutet, showcased innovative ideas for fencing solutions to prevent trespassing and suicides.
An update was provided on the effectiveness of blue lights at stations and level crossings for suicide prevention.
Ann Mills, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and Chair of the TreSP Network, led a discussion on trespass risk assessment and signage following two surveys conducted among members.

ILCAD and TRESPAD 2026 – Slogan confirmed

Both groups had brainstorming sessions on the future International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) and Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD) campaigns and their 2026 launch conferences. The chosen slogan is “Alert Today. Safe Tomorrow.”
« Vigilant aujourd'hui, en sécurité demain », “Heute umsichtig, morgen unversehrt”, “Alerta hoy. Seguro mañana”

Two videos, one for ILCAD and one for TRESPAD, will be produced using CCTV footage provided by members, illustrating unsafe behaviour at level crossings and along railway tracks. These will be complemented by posters produced by UIC highlighting safe behaviours.

The international conferences launching both campaigns will take place at UIC Headquarters on 9-10 June 2026, followed by technical visits on 11 June, supported by SNCF Réseau. Get involved:

Call for abstracts for TRESPAD: click here deadline postponed to 30 March
Call for abstracts for ILCAD: click here deadline postponed to 30 March
Registration to both conferences: click here
Call for sponsorship: click here

For more information on TRESPAD, please visit www.trespad.org.
For more information on ILCAD, please visit www.ilcad.org.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.