Call for Experts: Contribute to the European Barcode Ticketing Standard

The European Commission, through the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), is funding experts to join the BT4PT project, a strategic initiative to create a European Standard (EN) for barcode ticketing that will enable seamless multimodal and multi-operator travel across Europe.

Project Scope

While rail ticketing is already regulated through the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) specifications, such as TAP TSI and its Technical Documents B.11/B.12, other transport modes still rely on fragmented and incompatible barcode formats. This lack of interoperability hinders the development of integrated mobility services.

The BT4PT project addresses this challenge by proposing a modular and secure barcode structure that can be used both on smartphones and printed tickets. The solution will:

Support all transport modes (rail, public transport, long-distance coach, MaaS platforms, etc.)
Ensure backward compatibility with existing systems
Provide a harmonized and future-proof format for ticketing across Europe

The project will deliver:

A CEN Technical Specification (CEN/TS) for the barcode format
A CEN Technical Report (CEN/TR) outlining governance and long-term maintenance

Coordination and Expert Involvement

BT4PT is coordinated by CEN and AFNOR under the framework of CEN/TC 278/WG 3 (Public Transport). The initiative brings together stakeholders from the rail sector, public transport authorities, and MaaS providers, ensuring broad relevance and practical implementation.

The outcome will directly support EU policy priorities in:

Digital mobility
Sustainable transport
Single market integration by 2030

Why Join?

By joining the BT4PT expert team, participants will:

Shape a European Standard that enables interoperable ticketing across all modes.
Collaborate with cross-sector experts, building bridges between transport operators, technology providers, and regulators.
Gain valuable recognition and experience in European standardization.
Make a tangible impact on the future of European mobility.

Your expertise can play a decisive role in creating a secure, interoperable, and passenger-friendly ticketing ecosystem for Europe.

How to Apply

Funded opportunities to join the expert team are limited. However, stakeholders also have the option to contribute on a voluntary basis.

If you would like to apply to join the project team, please complete the application form (link) and review the following documents:

Those interested in contributing on a voluntary basis are encouraged to contact their National Standardization Body to participate in CEN/TC 278 WG 3 (Public Transport).