2/26
TSI Telematics (TEL TSI): First passenger-retail milestones approaching
The first implementation milestones under the new TEL TSI will apply from 13 December 2026. During its meeting in Utrecht on 20–21 May 2026, the CIV Working Group reviewed the implications for passenger retail and discussed several practical implementation questions that remain under consideration at sector level.
First milestones by December 2026
Particular attention was given to the first passenger-retail milestones concerning conditions of carriage and security elements for product distribution. These requirements form part of the new TEL TSI framework, which establishes common rules for passenger data exchange, ticket distribution and interoperability across the European rail sector. Railway undertakings are currently assessing the practical implications of these obligations and the steps required to ensure compliance by December 2026.
Open questions and sector discussions
The discussions also highlighted a number of open implementation questions. These include how conditions of carriage should be made available through National Access Points (NAPs), particularly where international services are operated by one RU across several countries. Another question concerns whether it would be sufficient to provide, via the NAP, a link to the carrier’s website where the conditions of carriage are published, rather than making the full text available through the NAP itself.
The CIV Working Group further discussed the concept of the Lead Railway Undertaking (LRU), which under the new TEL TSI is responsible for timetable data aggregation for certain international services. Ongoing work within UIC is examining both possible criteria for identifying the LRU and the potential role of UIC MERITS[1] as a technical enabler supporting timetable data aggregation and synchronisation.
Supporting implementation
To support its members, the CIT General Secretariat presented a draft CIT Information Note on the TEL TSI – passenger retail functions for consultation within the CIV Working Group. In parallel, the CIV Working Group agreed on a first set of amendments to the MIRT and the CIT Glossary reflecting the new TEL TSI framework.
As further implementation milestones will apply progressively over the coming years, additional assessment of the TEL TSI and further adaptations of CIT products may become necessary in the future.
____________________________
[1] MERITS (Multiple European Railways Integrated Timetable Storage) is the UIC system for the exchange and management of international railway timetable data.
