ISO/FDIS 22575

Railway applications — General vocabulary

This document provides general terms and definitions for systems, products and services related to the railway applications. This document does not cover terms and definitions related to those electrotechnical and electronic products and services for railways which are within the scope of standards of IEC/TC 9.

Applications ferroviaires — Vocabulaire général

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 01.040.45 - Railway engineering (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 45.020 - Railway engineering in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 269 - Railway applications
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 269 - Railway applications
• Current Stage: 5000 - FDIS registered for formal approval
• Start Date: 03-Jun-2025
• Completion Date: 23-May-2025

Standards Content (Sample)

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 269
Railway applications — General
Secretariat: DIN
vocabulary
Voting begins on:
Applications ferroviaires — Vocabulaire général 2025-09-24
Voting terminates on:
2025-11-19
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 269
Railway applications — General
Secretariat: DIN
vocabulary
Voting begins on:
Applications ferroviaires — Vocabulaire général
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Annex A (informative) Structure of terms . 7
Bibliography . 9

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 269, Railway applications.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to standardize the terms and definitions, used in the field of railway
application including design, construction, manufacture, equipment, operations and maintenance.
This document aims to eliminate:
— misunderstandings;
— effort and time related to term definition during new standard preparation or revision and;
— errors arising from the translation process.
Terms and definitions common between different structural subsystems are given in this document. Terms
exclusively used within a specialist area are not included, such as those in:
— ISO 24478;
— ISO 19659-1.
This document also does not cover terms and definitions related to electrotechnical and electronic products
and services for railway application, which are given in IEC standards.
It is the intention to extend this document with further terms in future revisions.
It is intended for new railway standards or revisions of existing railway standards to reference this
document, to avoid repetitions and deviations of terms and definitions in railway standards.
Several of the terms used in the field of railway systems have had different meanings in different languages
and at different periods in history. This document brings together a consensus of opinions by those charged
with its drafting as to the most effective unambiguous definitions for future use.
Typically, the terms in this document do not imply operational or geographical aspects. If a term is implying
operational or geographical aspects, the respective term can be expanded by using the definitions of this
document.
Terms and definitions in this document are basic terms, some of which can be combined.

v
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 22575:2025(en)
Railway applications — General vocabulary
1 Scope
This document defines general terms and definitions for systems, products and services related to railway
applications.
This document does not cover terms and definitions related to electrotechnical and electronic products and
services for railway applications.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
railway system
system of railway infrastructure (3.5), related rolling stock (3.2) and railway operation (3.6)
Note 1 to entry: The term “railroad” is used in some regions, e.g. in North America.
Note 2 to entry: For the structure of terms, see Figure A.1.
3.1.1
conventional railway system
railway system (3.1) in which rolling stock (3.2) is supported and guided by steel wheels on a pair of steel
rails located beneath the rolling stock (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: Speed and track gauge are not considered for defining conventional railway system.
3.1.2
non-conventional railway system
railway system (3.1) in which rolling stock (3.2) is supported and guided by means other than steel wheels on
a pair of steel rails located beneath the rolling stock (3.2)
EXAMPLE Monorail system, hanging system, magnetic levitation system, rubber tyred system.
3.1.2.1
magnetic levitation system
maglev system
non-conventional railway system (3.1.2) in which the vehicle is lifted, guided and propelled using magnetic
attraction or repulsion
3.1.3
main line railway system
railway system (3.1) intended either for regional or long-distance transport services, either at national or
international level
3.1.4
urban guided transport
UGT
railway system (3.1) designed to provide urban and suburban transport services
EXAMPLE Metro system and tram system.
3.1.4.1
metro system
urban guided transport (UGT) (3.1.4) operated using a command and control system segregated from road
traffic and any other railway system (3.1)
Note 1 to entry: A metro system can include underground, elevated or surface sections.
Note 2 to entry: The term “subway” is also used for an underground system.
3.1.4.2
tram system
ur
...

ISO/TC 269
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2025-09-10
Railway applications — General vocabulary
First edition
Date: 2025-05-27
Applications ferroviaires — Vocabulaire général
FDIS stage
2 © ISO #### – All rights reserved

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO'sISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO Copyright Office copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Email: E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland.
iii
Contents
Foreword . v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Annex A (informative) Structure of terms . 8
Bibliography . 13

iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 269, Railway applications.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to standardize the terms and definitions, used in the field of railway
application including design, construction, manufacture, equipment, operations and maintenance.
This document aims to eliminate:
— — misunderstandings;
— — effort and time related to term definition during new standard preparation or revision and;
— — errors arising from the translation process.
Terms and definitions common between different structural subsystems are given. in this document. Terms
exclusively used within a specialist area are not included, such as those in:
— — ISO 24478, Railway applications — Braking — General vocabulary;
— — ISO 19659-1, Railway applications — Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for rolling stock
— Part 1: Terms.
This document also does not cover terms and definitions related to electrotechnical and electronic products
and services for railway application, which are given in IEC standards.
It is the intention to extend this document with further terms in future revisions.
It is intended for new railway standards or revisions of existing railway standards to reference to this
document, to avoid repetitions and deviations of terms and definitions in railway standards.
Several of the terms used in the field of railway systems have had different meanings in different languages
and at different periods in history. This document brings together a consensus of opinions by those charged
with its drafting as to the most effective unambiguous definitions for future use.
Typically, the terms in this document do not imply operational or geographical aspects. If a term is implying
operational or geographical aspects, the respective term can be expanded by using the definitions of this
document.
Terms and definitions in this document are basic terms, some of which can be combined.
vi
Railway applications — General vocabulary
1 Scope
This document providesdefines general terms and definitions for systems, products and services related to
the railway applications.
This document does not cover terms and definitions related to those electrotechnical and electronic products
and services for railways which are within the scope of standards of IEC/TC 9railway applications.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
railway system
system of railway infrastructure (3.5(3.5),), related rolling stock (3.2(3.2)) and railway operation (3.6(3.6))
Note 1 to entry: The term "“railroad"” is used in some regions, e.g. in North America.
Note 2 to entry: For the structure of terms, see Figure A.1Figure A.1.
3.1.1 3.1.1
conventional railway system
railway system (3.1(3.1)) in which rolling stock (3.2(3.2)) is supported and guided by steel wheels on a pair of
steel rails located beneath the rolling stock (3.2(3.2))
Note 1 to entry: Speed and track gauge are not considered for defining conventional railway system.
3.1.2 3.1.2
non-conventional railway system
railway system (3.1(3.1)) in which rolling stock (3.2(3.2)) is supported and guided by means other than steel
wheels on a pair of steel rails located beneath the rolling stock (3.2(3.2))
EXAMPLE Monorail system, hanging system, magnetic levitation system, rubber tyred system.
3.1.2.1 3.1.2.1
magnetic levitation system
maglev system
non-conventional railway system (3.1.2(3.1.2)) in which the vehicle is lifted, guided and propelled using
magnetic attraction or repulsion
3.1.3 3.1.3
main line railway system
railway system (3.1(3.1)) intended either for regional and/or long-distance transport services, either at
national and/or international level
3.1.4 3.1.4
urban guided transport
UGT
railway system (3.1(3.1)) designed to provide urban and suburban transport services
EXAMPLE Metro system and tram system.
3.1.4.1 3.1.4.1
metro system
urban guided transport (UGT) (3.1.4(3.1.4)) operated using a command and control system segregated from
road traffic and any other railway system (3.1(3.1))
Note 1 to entry: A metro system can include underground, elevated or surface sections.
Note 2 to entry: A The term “subway” is also used for an underground system.
3.1.4.2 3.1.4.2
tram system
urban guided transport (UGT) (3.1.4(3.1.4)) operated on infrastructure shared with road traffic or separate
infrastructure, or both
Note 1 to entry: Tram systems having some sections segregated from road traffic can be called a light rail system (LRS).
Note 2 to entry: Road traffic includes powered road vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, etc.
3.2 3.2
rolling stock
railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1)) covering all types or formations of railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1))
3.2.1 3.2.1
railway vehicle
rail vehicle
individual element of a means of transport mechanically or magnetically guided and supported by track
3.2.2 3.2.2
unit
assembly of one or more railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1))
3.2.2.1 3.2.2.1
fixed formation
railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1)) or units (3.2.2(3.2.2)) intended to be coupled/ or uncoupled or assembled/ or
disassembled only in a workshop environment
3.2.2.1.1 3.2.2.1.1
articulated unit
unit (3.2.2(3.2.2)) where railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1)) share running gear or are supported by adjacent
railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1))
3.2.2.2 3.2.2.2
trainset
fixed formation(s) (3.2.2.1(3.2.2.1)) that is (are) self-propelled
3.2.2.3 3.2.2.3
multiple unit
MU
trainset (3.2.2.2(3.2.2.2)) in which all railway vehicles (3.2.1(3.2.1)) are designed to
...