Flexible Content Barcode (FCB)
The Flexible Content Barcode (FCB) is a standardised data structure developed by the International Union of Railways (UIC) to enhance the interoperability and flexibility of rail passenger ticketing systems across different countries and operators. As detailed in the UIC FCB specification, the FCB allows for the encoding of a wide range of ticketing information—such as passenger details, journey data, and security elements—into a single 2D barcode. This format supports both printed and digital tickets, enabling seamless validation and inspection processes regardless of the medium used. The FCB is designed to be adaptable, supporting various business models and use cases, including international travel, multi-leg journeys, and integration with other transport modes.
The FCB is officially registered under the UIC IRS 90918-9 standard, which defines the technical and security requirements for its implementation. This standard is part of a broader set of UIC guidelines aimed at ensuring secure and efficient data exchange in rail ticketing. More information about IRS 90918-9 and related digital security elements can be found on the UIC Shop page. By adhering to this standard, railway undertakings and ticket vendors can ensure compatibility and compliance with international best practices, ultimately improving the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The system integrates UIC leaflet 918-3 and complements standards available at:
https://github.com/UnionInternationalCheminsdeFer/UIC-barcode
Universal Rail Ticket (URT)
The URT is the IRS 90918-8. It outlines the UIC’s standards and recommendations for creating rail passenger tickets and transport documents used in international train travel.
- It is intended for Railway Undertakings (RUs) to help them issue tickets based on electronically transmitted data from other RUs.
- It details what information should appear on tickets and how it should be formatted.
- The UIC sets the technical standards for international tickets.
- The CIT is responsible for paper security and the legal framework of the carriage contract.
- These standards replace the now-decommissioned UIC Leaflets 918-2 and 918-3.
Public Key Management Website (PKMK)
The Public Key Management Website (PKMW) is a centralised platform designed for railway companies to store and share their public keys, which are essential for validating barcode tickets used by various systems such as ATMs, controllers, and mobile apps. These public keys are part of a cryptographic system where the private key remains securely within the railway company’s infrastructure, while the public key is distributed to partners for ticket verification. The PKMW also supports other applications like barcode generation for station security gates.
To ensure a high-quality and secure service, the PKMW incorporates four key features: robust security for uploading keys, a less stringent download process, a pre-filled form for verifying key data, and future integration with the TAP-TSI registry. The initiative is led by UIC, with Fabrice Setta serving as the administrator responsible for secure key uploads. This centralised approach replaces the complex and less secure bilateral key-sharing systems previously used by railway undertakings.
The PKMW is accessible to all global railway companies, offering a streamlined and secure method for publishing public keys. UIC encourages companies to reach out for more information about the platform and its processes. Notably, BeNe Rail International NV was the first to publish public keys on the site, which are now available for download at https://railpublickey.uic.org.