Guide for the application of the TSI OPE - Regulation (EU) 2016/796

Sep 27, 2026

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Guide for the application of the TSI OPE is issued in accordance with Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/796, providing explanations to support understanding of the approaches and rules set out in the TSI provisions. It clarifies that the guide contains no legally binding advice and does not replace the applicable TSI texts. The document is publicly available, regularly updated to reflect European standards and TSI OPE changes, and directs readers to the European Union Agency for Railways website for the latest edition.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages113

Reading Time4 h 45 min

AccessFree to download

1 Scope of this guide

1.1 Content of the guide

1.2 Reference documents

1.3 Definitions and abbreviations

2 Guidance on the application of the TSI OPE

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Scope of the TSI OPE

2.3 TSI OPE rules for implementation

2.4 Future developments on information exchange between IMs and RUs

3 Responsibilities in the field of operations and traffic management

3.1 Infrastructure Manager and Railway Undertaking

3.2 National Safety Authority and European Union Agency for Railways

4 OPE subsystem

4.1 TSI OPE and connection to other relevant rules and regulation

4.2 TSI OPE Fundamental operational principles and the SMS

4.3 Assessment of compliance with the OPE TSI and the development of the SMS

4.4 Fundamental Operational Principles and Common Operational Rules

4.5 National Rules

4.6 Acceptable means of compliance

Annex 1 – Operational guidance

1.1 Specifications relating to staff

1.2 Specifications relating to train operation – Fundamental Operational Principles (FOP)

Annex 2 – ERTMS operational principles and rules (Appendix A)

2.1 General

2.2 ETCS

2.3 GSM-R

2.4 Harmonised ERTMS Marker Boards

Annex 3 – Safety related communications methodology (TSI OPE Appendix C)

3.1 Communications methodology

Guide for the application of the TSI OPE In accordance with Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/796 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 | | Drafted by | Validated by | Approved by | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Beatrijs Claeys Emanuele Mastrodonato Roberto Mele | Bart Accou | Pio Guido | | | Position | Project Officers | Head of SAFO unit | Head of RSY department | | | Date | 9/12/2025 | 11/12/2025 | 12/12/2025 | | | Signature | | | |
Digitally signed by GUIDO Pio
Date: 2025.12.12 10:58:
36+01'00' | Released by European Union Agency for Railways This guide does not contain any legally binding advice. It may serve as a clarification tool without however dictating in any manner compulsory procedures to be followed and without establishing any legally binding practice. The guide provides explanations on the provisions contained in the TSIs and should be helpful for understanding the approaches and rules described therein. However, it does not substitute for them. The guide is publicly available, and it will be regularly updated to reflect progress with European standards and changes to the TSIs. The reader should refer to the website of the European Union Agency for railways for information about its latest available edition. | Version date | Modification description | | --- | --- | | Guide version 1.00
26 Aug 2011 | Original guidance | | Guide version 2.00
30 June 2015 | Updated to reflect EU Regulation 2015/995 | | Guide version 3.00
16 June 2019 | Updated to reflect EU Regulation 2019/773 | | Guide version 4.00
24 June 2024 | Updated to reflect EU Regulation 2023/1693 | | Guide version 5.00
12 December 2025 | Updated to reflect:
- all the TSI OPE WP agreed changes in 2025, and;
- the deadlines for the future developments of the route book and the rule book. | Document History Table of Contents 1 Scope of this guide ..............................................................................................................................5 1.1 Content of the guide ...........................................................................................................................5 1.2 Reference documents .........................................................................................................................5 1.3 Definitions and abbreviations .............................................................................................................6 2 Guidance on the application of the TSI OPE .......................................................................................7 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................7 2.2 Scope of the TSI OPE ...........................................................................................................................8 2.3 TSI OPE rules for implementation .......................................................................................................8 2.4 Future developments on “information exchange between IMs and RUs, including information for staff executing safety critical tasks” as developed in the TSI OPEv2023 annex point [4.2.1.2](4.2.1.2) regarding RINF, digitalisation of route book and rule book .............................11 3 Responsibilities in the field of operations and traffic management.................................................12 3.1 Infrastructure Manager and Railway Undertaking ...........................................................................12 3.2 National Safety Authority and European Union Agency for Railways ..............................................12 4. OPE subsystem ..................................................................................................................................13 4.1 TSI OPE and connection to other relevant rules and regulation ..

FAQs

Is the TSI OPE application guide legally binding?

No. The guide states it does not contain legally binding advice and does not dictate compulsory procedures or establish legally binding practice.

What is the legal basis for issuing this guide?

The guide is provided in accordance with Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/796 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016.

How can readers access the latest edition of the guide?

Readers are directed to the website of the European Union Agency for Railways to obtain information about the latest available edition, since the guide is regularly updated.

Sep 27, 2026

Upload by McQueen