Download the September 2025 interactive standards briefing presentation.

Watch the September 2025 updates to standards webinar here.

Data, systems and telematics

One new data, systems and telematics standard has been published:

Introducing this standard will mean systems no longer need to create their own identifiers. It will harmonise data across operational systems, and simplify system-to-system communications and data transfer. It presents a methodology for uniquely identify train services and paths.

Rolling stock

One new rolling stock standard was published: 

Two new rolling stock technical notes have been published in the September 2025 Standards Catalogue, and one has been updated. 

The latest intelligence from rail on handling, storage and the safe maintenance practices of lithium-ion traction battery packs in rolling stock depots. 

  • TN2317 Issue 1 - Fire compartmentation and Li-ion traction batteries

The technical note aims to inform the industry on adequate design for crashworthiness and fire barrier considerations to minimise the potential impact from thermal runaway fire and off-gassing risks of lithium-ion batteries.

  • TN2324 Issue 2 - Crashworthiness risk assessment for mainline passenger rolling stock 

Updated with minor additions.

One rolling stock guidance note has also been amended.

Control, command, and signalling

One new standard and one point release have been published under control, command and signalling.

Suppliers and operators of ERTMS/ETCS onboard subsystems will benefit from a clearly explained, simpler to implement function that delivers the correct units for display on the ERTMS/ETCS DMI and is consistent with the trackside application rules for the Train Speed Units Override packet 44.

This amendment will allow the sign to be used in a wider range of methods of working.

Traffic operation and management

One new Traffic Operation and Management standard has been published, and two standards have been updated in the September 2025 Standards Catalogue. There is also a new technical note, guidance note, and new signage.

Bringing almost £1 million of value over the next five years, this new standard sets out the requirements and guidance for those involved in the implementation of speed restrictions and the management of overspeed events.

This update brings clearer guidance for the development, review, and implementation of passenger train dispatch processes and measures to manage the safe behaviour of passengers at the platform train interface.

The changes should provide greater clarity around the operational response affecting the defective equipment, and have potential savings of £6 million over 5 years.

Reviewing lessons learnt since emergency special working was introduced in 2018, and changes since made with the introduction of extended block working.

Based on RSSB research, this guidance will help industry to work together to improve the training and competence of onboard staff.

The name of this sign has been changed from ‘end of emergency special working’ to ‘end of degraded working’.

Seven new traffic operation and management forms have also been published.

Rule Book modules and handbooks

There have been changes to the following items in the Rule Book. Changes are updates unless explicitly described as new.

GSM-R handbook

Reducing the use of unassisted lookouts

Reducing the use of detonators

Defective on-train equipment

  • GERT8000-TW5 Iss 14 - Preparation and movement of trains: Defective or isolated vehicles and on-train equipment 

Emergency special working and temporary block working

Train dispatch arrangements

General updates

  • General improvements have also been made to ensure the Rule Book is completely up to date. Further details can be found in the Rule Book briefing leaflet and in the Rule Book briefing slide deck.

Non-RSSB standards

One non-RSSB documents were published: