PRM TSI
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The Technical Specifications of Interoperability relating to "persons with reduced mobility" (PRM TSI) is a set of supranational technical standards designed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities and reduced mobility within the rail systems of Europe (including United Kingdom). A part of the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) framework, it was established by the European Union initially as a decision in 2007,{{CELEX|id=02008D0164-20130124|text=Consolidated text: Commission Decision of 21 December 2007 concerning the technical specification of interoperability relating to persons with reduced mobility in the trans-European conventional and high-speed rail system (2008/164/EC)}} and subsequently as a regulation, in 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.era.europa.eu/domains/technical-specifications-interoperability/persons-disabilities-and-reduced-mobility-tsi_en |title=Persons with Disabilities and with Reduced Mobility TSI |publisher=European Railway Agency |access-date=12 September 2024}}
The PRM TSI aims to enhance accessibility by addressing various aspects of rail infrastructure and rolling stock, including platform heights, platform gaps, accessibility of passenger train toilets and other facilities, and provision of assistance and information for passengers.{{cite web |last1=Ford |first1=Roger |title=Protests Over PRM-TSI Exemptions |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/protests-over-prm-tsi-exemptions |website=www.modernrailways.com |access-date=12 September 2024 |language=en |date=23 January 2020}} In the United Kingdom, it superseded the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) for main line passenger rail but not for light rail such as trams.
To ensure effective implementation, the European Railway Agency (ERA) has published a guide outlining the PRM TSI requirements and recommendations for compliance.{{cite web |url=https://www.era.europa.eu/system/files/2022-11/Updated%20guide%20for%20the%20application%20of%20the%20PRM%20TSI%20%28EN%29.pdf |title=Guide for the application of the PRM TSI |publisher=European Railway Agency |date=18 May 2015 |access-date=12 September 2024}} After Brexit, United Kingdom's Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) established the National Technical Specification Notice Mirror Group (PRM TSI/NTSN MG) to continuously review the standards and advise the Department for Transport on their implementation.{{cite web |url=https://www.rssb.co.uk/about-rssb/groups-and-committees/standards/industry-standards-coordination-committee/infrastructure/prm-tsi-ntsn-mg |title=Persons with Reduced Mobility Technical Specification for Interoperability/National Technical Specification Notice Mirror Group |publisher=Rail Safety and Standards Board |access-date=2024-09-12}} The PRM TSI is subject to periodic updates, with the most recent revision in 2023.{{CELEX|id=32023R1694|text=Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1694 of 10 August 2023 amending Regulations (EU) No 321/2013, (EU) No 1299/2014, (EU) No 1300/2014, (EU) No 1301/2014, (EU) No 1302/2014, (EU) No 1304/2014 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/777}} As the standards are being heightened, railways operators are obligated to periodically make significant expenditures to ensure compliance.{{cite web |last1=Clinnick |first1=Richard |title=EXCLUSIVE: £50 million price tag on MML HST accessibility modifications |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/exclusive-50-million-price-tag-on-mml-hst-accessibility-modifications |website=www.railmagazine.com |access-date=12 September 2024 |language=en |date=29 March 2018}}