With this call for tenders the EU-Rail wants to avail itself with the expertise in rail passenger aspects and human resources – railway workers perspective to complement the ongoing R&I activities and provide them with the relevant inputs that will help to shape the developed technological solution.

The railway system is undergoing a significant transformation enabled by digitalisation, automation and advancements in communication technologies. As the research and innovation activities aim at more attractive, user-friendly, competitive, affordable, easy to maintain, efficient and sustainable European rail system, integrated into the wider mobility system, there will be disruption not only at technological, business and organisational level, but also in the way the end-users, passengers, perceive and interact with the rail system.

Transformation of the rail system may require changes in rail processes and operations, which will have an impact on the involved human resources. Certain technologies, for example automation, will have direct impact on rail workers (most notably on drivers), whereas others may have an indirect impact. Therefore, the human factor, namely safety, security and health, as well as the overall user experience in interaction with the technologies in the rail system should be considered in the research and innovation activities of Innovation and System Pillar, in order to ensure the developed solutions facilitate human’s activities, maintain their safety and security, help to avoid harm, and are finally introduced in a manner that allows the organisations to manage the transition. The Deployment group recommendations will constitute also another important element for a just transition.