1/26
CIV Working Group: discussions on passenger rights, AJC and other CIT products
The 66th CIV Working Group took place on 18–19 February 2026 in Bern and online. Key topics included developments concerning the CIV Uniform Rules, EU legislative initiatives affecting passenger rights, further work on the CIT Agreement on Journey Continuation (AJC) and updates to CIT products. The meeting was chaired by Oliver Hirschfeld (Deutsche Bahn).
Updates on EU legislative initiatives and exchange on Court cases
The CIT General Secretariat presented updates on several EU initiatives relevant for passenger transport. Discussions focused on the revision of the Rail Passenger Rights Regulation (PRR), including the ongoing negotiations on the so-called “Omnibus Regulation”. Attention was also given to the possible targeted revision of the Rail PRR addressing situations where passengers purchase separate tickets within one single commercial transaction. These discussions are closely linked to the development of the CIT Agreement on Journey Continuation (AJC).
Members also reviewed several court cases and legal developments relevant for the rail sector, including a request for preliminary ruling before the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning whether an earlier train departure may constitute a cancellation under the Rail PRR, as well as discussions on intermediary commissions in the context of air passengers` rights.
Agreement on Journey Continuation (AJC)
During the meeting, the CER representative presented the context of EU discussions on passenger rights that are important for the further development of the CIT AJC.
Further exchanges focused on the ongoing development of the CIT Agreement on Journey Continuation (AJC). Members exchanged views on possible improvements to the agreement, including clarifications in disruption scenarios and further digitalisation through the UIC Electronic Ticket Control Database (eTCD).
CIV Uniform Rules and legal questions
The CIV Working Group was informed of the ongoing discussions at OTIF level regarding a potential revision of COTIF and its appendices, which include the CIV Uniform Rules. Participants reiterated that a more precise definition of “carrier” that differentiates it more clearly from a “ticket vendor” is necessary. It was agreed that passenger and freight rail traffic had developed very differently since the last COTIF revision, and that different definitions of “carrier” under the CIV (for passengers) and the CIM (for freight) might therefore be appropriate.
Updates to CIT products
The CIV Working Group reviewed updates to several CIT products. In particular, work continued on a revised, more customer-friendly version of the CIT General Conditions of Carriage for Rail Passengers (GCC-CIV/PRR) aimed at improving readability and accessibility for passengers while maintaining the existing legal framework.
TSI Telematics (TEL TSI)
Participants were informed about the new TEL TSI, which entered into force on 2 March 2026. The first relevant milestones for the passenger-retail functions concern conditions of carriage and security elements for product distribution, both to be fulfilled by 13 December 2026. The CIT General Secretariat will prepare proposals for the necessary amendments to the CIT Manual on International Rail Tickets (MIRT) and will also examine possible impacts on other CIT products.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the CIV Working Group will take place on 20–21 May 2026 in Utrecht and online, kindly hosted by NS.