Electronic recording of train data
The transmission of data is an essential part of train preparation. From 1 April 2024, the electronic transmission of the train and wagon data is mandatory for all RUs in freight transport in accordance to the Network Statement. From this date, all required train and wagon data must be transmitted electronically to ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If the wagon data is not submitted on time, this may delay the departure of the train. The RU is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the data.
How you benefit
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- Overview of the current status of train compositions for all authorised persons
- Direct electronic input and transmission
- Uniform standard and improved data quality
- Practical functions such as 180-day storage of vehicles or trains
From 2026: TAF TSI - Train Composition Message
TAF TSI (Telematics Applications for Freight Services - Technical Specifications for Interoperability) is an EU regulation that defines a uniform message format for future data exchange between railway undertakings and railway infrastructure managers (RU/RIM). ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG plans to implement train data reporting based on the TAF TSI Train Composition Message (TCM) from 2026, in particular for trains in transit traffic and for journeys without ordered AV services.
Reporting via the PORTHOS ZDE interface/input mask will still be possible. All important information, including details on the differences between the input masks and fields, can be found in the ÖBB Train Composition Message description and in the ZDE Full 2.0 und TCM manual (documents see table and download below).
Deadlines for data transmission
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Reporting via TCM
In accordance with "ÖBB Train Composition Message (TCM) - Beschreibung für die Bereitstellung von Datensätzen gemäß TAF TSI ("Description for the provision of data records in accordance with TAF TSI") and RW 30.04.20, railway undertakings are obliged to transmit the necessary, up-to-date train and wagon data to ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG at the earliest six hours before the train's departure from the departure station/border entry station, but at the latest at the time of readiness for departure.
When reporting via TCM, the customer can transmit a new, additional handling point in the event of an unforeseen change in the train composition during the train journey (e.g., removal of a damaged car). -
Reporting via ZDE
In accordance with the ZDE portal manual and RW 30.04.20, rail transport companies are required to submit the necessary, up-to-date train and wagon data to ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG no earlier than six hours before the train's departure from the departure station/border entry station, but no later than
- braked trains: until notification of readiness for departure and
- unbraked trains: 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time
to ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG.
Application for train data reporting
Both TCM and ZDE notifications can be submitted via the train data notification application. These are used for the electronic notification of train and wagon data. This includes minimum information about the train (TCM) and/or additional information about wagons/loads, including dangerous goods (RID), traction vehicles, en route handling, and the like. This information is summarized in train compositions for each reporting point (= each point at which the train composition changes).
Interface for train data reporting
From January 2026, an electronic interface for reporting minimum train data and the existing ZDE interface for reporting train and wagon data will also be available. This means that, after agreeing on an individual coordination and test phase, it will also be possible to connect an existing customer system to the interface for TCM and/or to the ZDE interface and carry out the registration in this way.
Registration and user administration for the Zugdateneinmeldung application
User administration and authorisation assignment for the PORTHOSZDE IT tool (guideline german) is carried out by M-AMA administrators of the RUs in the M-AMA online ordering system.
Documents for the train data reporting via ZDE
Download TCM description
System failure, malfunction, changes to transmitted consignment data
In the event of a system failure or malfunction of the interface on the part of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, the train and wagon data is transmitted by e-mail.
Contact
Do you still have any questions about train data reporting? We are happy to help you.
PORTHOS Service hotline for faults
Bahnsysteme
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG
Phone +43 51778 851 2266 #2 (voice menu: #2 Süd)
General technical questions
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG