How the European Rail Data Space is Driving Rail Innovation for Travelers and Freight Transportation

With the European Rail Data Space, Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking is leading efforts to revolutionise collaborative innovations for railways. Data spaces are shaping data-driven innovations across all industries.

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail) is driving this change with the development of the European Rail Data Space (RDS), building an interoperable and secure federated Data Space that enables trusted data exchange between all players in the rail industry — from train service providers and local transport operators to ticket vendors, manufacturers, and maintenance teams. This open data ecosystem unlocks new opportunities in digital maintenance, streamlining operations, and the delivery of high-availability, low-disruption rail services. It also empowers travelers with accurate, real-time information, setting the stage for next-generation mobility services. The Rail Data Space is designed according to the standards of the International Data Space Association (IDSA).

By fostering a decentralised, secure, and open environment for data exchange, the Rail Data Space is not just facilitating innovation but is a crucial enabler in the digital transformation of the European Rail System. Developed within the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking’s Flagship Project 1 MOTIONAL, the RDS is a cornerstone for creating data-driven solutions that will make mobility better, cleaner, and reliable for all.

Learn more about Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking at rail-research.europa.eu