Overview
EN 12896-6:2026 – Public Transport - Reference Data Model - Part 6: Passenger Information is a European standard developed by CEN that forms part of the Transmodel series for intelligent public transport systems. This part of the standard focuses on defining a comprehensive data model for the management and delivery of passenger information, supporting consistency and interoperability across public transport networks. It supersedes EN 12896-6:2019 and integrates the latest practices for digital passenger information systems.
The standard encompasses main data packages for Trip Description and Passenger Information Queries. It includes a normative data model, a comprehensive data dictionary, and information about model evolution and technical changes since prior editions.
Key Topics
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Passenger Information Domain:
- Describes data presented to passengers, both for planned and real-time services, including changes resulting from operational monitoring and control.
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Main Data Packages:
- Trip Description: Detailed data structures for documenting passenger trips across the transport network.
- Passenger Information Queries: Standardized types of passenger requests and responses, covering journey planning, fare information, schedules, and disruptions.
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Passenger Information Delivery:
- Outlines the use of different media and equipment like printed materials, in-station displays, onboard systems, and digital/web/mobile applications.
- Highlights the role of APIs for real-time and scheduled information, mapping the conceptual data model to interface implementations such as SIRI and OADJP.
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Types of Passenger Information:
- Timetables, Arrival/Departure Times: For both static and dynamic dissemination at stops, stations, and through digital services.
- Trip Planning: Data and query structures for journey suggestions, including optimization filters for time, transfers, fare, and route preferences.
- Fare Structures: Integration with the fare management data model to deliver fare product and pricing information.
- Spatial/Mapping Information: Geographical and network data for map-based trip visualizations and route planning.
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Support for Interactive and Real-Time Services:
- Transaction logging, publish/subscribe notification models, and different request-response scenarios for personalized passenger information delivery.
- Coverage of operational situations, disruptions, mobility alternatives, and accessibility features.
Applications
EN 12896-6:2026 is essential for:
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Public Transport Operators:
- Designing and maintaining interoperable passenger information systems, ensuring consistent data flows from back-end systems to customer-facing tools.
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IT Solution Providers and Integrators:
- Developing journey planning tools, real-time information systems, and mobile applications that align with European standards for data structure and service interfaces.
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Local and Regional Authorities:
- Requiring standardized, harmonized data exchange protocols when commissioning or regulating public transport information services.
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Interoperability and Data Exchange:
- Basis for mapping with APIs such as SIRI (for real-time information) and OADJP (for distributed journey planning).
- Ensuring seamless integration with related tools covering geospatial data, fare management, and timetable exchange.
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Data Consistency and Quality Control:
- Using the normative data dictionary and attribute tables for clear definitions and data validation across systems and platforms.
Related Standards
EN 12896-6:2026 is part of the Transmodel family and closely interacts with:
- EN 12896-1: Common concepts for public transport data modeling
- EN 12896-2: Reference data model for transport networks
- EN 12896-3 to EN 12896-5 & EN 12896-7, 8, 10: Covering timing, operations, fare management, driver management, and additional modes
- EN 15531 (SIRI): Service interfaces for real-time information
- CEN/TS 16614 (NeTEx): Network and timetable data exchange
- CEN/TS 17118 (OADJP): Open API for distributed journey planning
By adhering to EN 12896-6:2026, organizations can implement modern, scalable, and user-centered passenger information services that promote interoperability and innovation in public transport across Europe.
