In recent years, RailNetEurope (RNE), together with Europe’s Infrastructure Managers (IMs), has evolved into one of the leading digital service providers for the European railway sector.
Today, RNE’s platforms support more than 15,000 users and over 400 railway undertakings, underlining its central role in enabling digitalisation and interoperability across Europe.
The goal: delivering harmonised digital solutions aligned with European legislation – in particular the revised Telematics Technical Specifications for Interoperability (Telematics TSI) and the upcoming Capacity Regulation.
To achieve this, RNE operates on a jointly agreed long-term digital strategy, developed in close cooperation with RNE members, reflecting business needs of Infrastructure Managers and Railway Undertakings, the European legal framework, and the evolving digital landscape.
Towards a fully digital railway system
The combined implementation of the Capacity Regulation and the Telematics TSI marks a fundamental shift in how railway operations are planned, managed, and optimised across Europe.
RNE’s digital solutions are designed to support this transformation by:
- enabling data-driven decision-making,
- improving cross-border coordination, and
- ensuring interoperability across Infrastructure Managers and Railway Undertakings.
By aligning its services with European standards and integrating them across three strategic pillars, RNE is laying the foundation for a transparent, efficient, and future-proof European railway system.
A strong foundation for implementation
RNE has been proactively preparing to meet upcoming legislative requirements: In close cooperation with its Members, the organisation has aligned both governance structures and digital systems to ensure timely delivery of required services.
A comprehensive implementation roadmap has been established, to actively support RNE’s Members and other sector stakeholders in their implementation efforts.
RNE as designated Network Coordinator
Within the evolving regulatory and technical environment, RNE is expected to take on a central role as Network Coordinator, with responsibilities in three key areas:
- Process Definition
RNE contributes to defining harmonised processes and corresponding digital requirements for Capacity Management, Traffic Management, and Performance Review. - Technical Framework
Within the Telematics TSI, RNE plays a key role in specifying common digital systems, standardised interfaces (APIs), and elements such as a Common Union User Interface. - System Governance
RNE systems are increasingly recognised within the European regulatory framework and are expected to be consistently reflected across both the Capacity Regulation and the Telematics TSI.
These responsibilities require RNE to not only function as a service provider but to actively steer the architecture of Europe’s future digital railway ecosystem.
A coherent IT strategy for Europe
To support upcoming sector transitions, RNE – together with its Members – has developed a comprehensive IT strategy and high-level architecture, aligned with European legislation and sector needs.
This strategy is built on three core pillars:
- Digital Infrastructure Information
- Digital Capacity Management
- Digital Train Information
These domains are deeply interconnected and rely on common standards defined within the Telematics TSI. Data is captured once and reused across systems, enabling seamless information exchange and increasing overall efficiency.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles exploring the three core pillars in greater detail.
