Article: TSI PRM: Challenges in Railway Vehicle Redesign Projects (Eisenbahn Ingenieur, July 2026)
Accessibility is a key objective of the European railway sector. The Technical Specification for Interoperability relating to Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI PRM) establishes binding requirements across Europe to ensure that railway vehicles are accessible to all passengers.
However, implementing these requirements presents manufacturers, operators and engineering service providers with numerous technical and organizational challenges. In a specialist article, DB Systemtechnik examines the impact of these requirements on the modernization of existing railway vehicles. The focus is on redesign projects, where new accessibility requirements must be integrated into existing vehicle concepts.
Using practical examples, the article highlights the challenges that can arise in such projects. Topics include the implementation of contrast requirements for doors, handrails and passenger information systems, as well as the importance of standards-compliant verification procedures. The article also demonstrates how differing interpretations of requirements, missing standards in tender specifications, or unclear responsibilities between transport authorities, operators and engineering service providers can lead to additional effort and increased risks during the certification process.
Another key focus is on modern passenger information systems. The article explains the requirements for visual and acoustic passenger information and outlines why these aspects should already be considered in the early stages of a project.
At the same time, the article underlines the importance of close collaboration among all stakeholders and of in-depth expertise in TSI PRM requirements, standards and certification processes to ensure successful implementation.
Read more in DB Systemtechnik’s specialist article in the July 2026 issue of DER EISENBAHNINGIEUR.
Go