General Information

Abstract

This European Standard specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of EMU, DMU, Railcars, Locomotives and Driving trailers.
NOTE 1   This standard applies to rolling stock in the scope of the Directive 2008/57/EC.
It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This standard specifies how information is arranged and displayed. It is explicitly applicable to display applications like TRD, ETD, CCD and TDD and may be completed by the CLC/TS 50459 series.
This standard is not applicable to legacy ATP systems. If requirements in this standard are in conflict with the ERA DMI document (ERA_ERTMS_015560) the requirements of the ERA DMI document should prevail for the CCD ETCS application.
NOTE 2   For resolving any discrepancies (e.g. 5.4.2.3) ERA is expected to harmonize the usage philosophy of the ERA DMI with this standard.
All assessments based on the normative requirements of this standard are applicable mainly to
-   symbols provided by Annex A,
-   arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information),
-   colours, fonts,
-   audible information.
This standard is applicable to the following aspects:
-   legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of information on the displays, including character size and spacing;
-   definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.;
-   definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons): size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.;
-   general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy), symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements.
NOTE 3   If this standard deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations.
This standard does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information.
This standard specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent more complex solutions.
Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this standard.

Status
Not Published
Current Stage
4097 - End of interruption of work - split/merged
Start Date
26-Jul-2018
Completion Date
23-Sep-2026

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EN 16186-3:2016/oprA1:2017

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Overview

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 is a European Standard developed by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) focused on the design of displays in railway driver’s cabs. This standard specifically addresses electric multiple units (EMU), diesel multiple units (DMU), railcars, locomotives, and driving trailers. It sets essential design rules, assessment criteria, and guidance for the presentation of information and user interfaces inside the driver’s cab to enhance safety, usability, and ergonomic performance.

The standard applies to rolling stock falling under Directive 2008/57/EC and integrates human factors considerations related to driver tasks. It harmonizes layout, symbology, colours, and interaction principles across multiple display applications, including Traditional Railway Displays (TRD), Electronic Train Displays (ETD), Cab Control Displays (CCD), and Train Describer Displays (TDD). However, it excludes legacy Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems and tramway, metro, or light rail vehicles.

Key Topics

  • Information Presentation and Layout
    The standard defines rules for arranging and displaying information on driver cab displays. This includes recommended character sizes, spacing, and overall legibility to ensure intelligibility at a glance during operation.

  • Colour and Symbol Harmonization
    EN 16186-3 outlines a color philosophy and harmonized symbols (provided in Annex A) to achieve consistent communication, reducing cognitive load and the possibility of misinterpretation.

  • Command Interface Design
    Criteria for physical or touchscreen controls related to displays are specified, covering button size, symbolic representation, response times, and feedback mechanisms to drivers for effective command inputs.

  • Audible Information
    The standard also addresses the use of audible signals linked to display information, reinforcing alerts and ensuring critical information is effectively communicated even in noisy environments.

  • General Arrangement and Dialogue Structures
    It includes principles on dialogue sequences and the layout philosophy to support task-oriented workflows, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing driver distraction.

  • Scope Clarifications
    The standard clarifies that it does not specify safety requirements linked to displayed information nor operational rules for normal or degraded situations. Instead, it establishes minimum design requirements while allowing for more advanced solutions.

Applications

EN 16186-3 is essential for manufacturers, system integrators, and railway operators aiming to design or upgrade driver cab displays that comply with European standards. Practical applications include:

  • Designing ergonomic and user-friendly interfaces for train driver cabs to improve operational safety.
  • Developing harmonized symbols and colour schemes for cab displays enhancing operational consistency across EU rail networks.
  • Integrating touchscreen or physical control interfaces optimized for driver interaction within demanding operational contexts.
  • Providing guidance for display layout and multi-modal information delivery (visual and audible) to accommodate driver workload and prevent information overload.
  • Supporting compliance with EU rail interoperability directives by standardizing driver cab display design.

Related Standards

  • EN 16186 Series

    • Part 1: Anthropometric data and visibility – addresses physical driver ergonomics and sightlines.
    • Part 2: Integration of displays, controls, and indicators – focuses on the overall integration and interface between various cab components.
    • Part 4: Layout and access – deals with the spatial arrangement and accessibility of driver controls.
  • CLC/TS 50459 Series
    Offers supplementary technical specifications for interface design in railway driver cabs that can complement EN 16186-3.

  • ERA DMI Document (ERA_ERTMS_015560)
    For ETCS Cab Control Display (CCD) applications, if conflicts arise between EN 16186-3 and this ERA document, the latter prevails.


Keywords: EN 16186-3, railway driver cab displays, driver interface design, EMU, DMU, cab display layout, railway human factors, cab ergonomics, transport safety standards, European railway directives.

Relations

Effective Date
19-Jan-2023
Effective Date
02-Nov-2016

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EN 16186-3:2016/oprA1:2017

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 3: Design of displays". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of EMU, DMU, Railcars, Locomotives and Driving trailers. NOTE 1 This standard applies to rolling stock in the scope of the Directive 2008/57/EC. It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This standard specifies how information is arranged and displayed. It is explicitly applicable to display applications like TRD, ETD, CCD and TDD and may be completed by the CLC/TS 50459 series. This standard is not applicable to legacy ATP systems. If requirements in this standard are in conflict with the ERA DMI document (ERA_ERTMS_015560) the requirements of the ERA DMI document should prevail for the CCD ETCS application. NOTE 2 For resolving any discrepancies (e.g. 5.4.2.3) ERA is expected to harmonize the usage philosophy of the ERA DMI with this standard. All assessments based on the normative requirements of this standard are applicable mainly to - symbols provided by Annex A, - arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information), - colours, fonts, - audible information. This standard is applicable to the following aspects: - legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of information on the displays, including character size and spacing; - definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.; - definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons): size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.; - general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy), symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements. NOTE 3 If this standard deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations. This standard does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information. This standard specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent more complex solutions. Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this standard.

This European Standard specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of EMU, DMU, Railcars, Locomotives and Driving trailers. NOTE 1 This standard applies to rolling stock in the scope of the Directive 2008/57/EC. It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This standard specifies how information is arranged and displayed. It is explicitly applicable to display applications like TRD, ETD, CCD and TDD and may be completed by the CLC/TS 50459 series. This standard is not applicable to legacy ATP systems. If requirements in this standard are in conflict with the ERA DMI document (ERA_ERTMS_015560) the requirements of the ERA DMI document should prevail for the CCD ETCS application. NOTE 2 For resolving any discrepancies (e.g. 5.4.2.3) ERA is expected to harmonize the usage philosophy of the ERA DMI with this standard. All assessments based on the normative requirements of this standard are applicable mainly to - symbols provided by Annex A, - arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information), - colours, fonts, - audible information. This standard is applicable to the following aspects: - legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of information on the displays, including character size and spacing; - definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.; - definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons): size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.; - general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy), symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements. NOTE 3 If this standard deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations. This standard does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information. This standard specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent more complex solutions. Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this standard.

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 45.060.10 - Tractive stock. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 16186-3:2016+A1:2018, EN 16186-3:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2008/57/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/483. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

EN 16186-3:2016/prA1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2017
äHOH]QLãNHQDSUDYH9R]QLNRYDNDELQDGHO1DþUWRYDQMHVOLNRYQLK]DVORQRY
Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 3: Design of displays
Bahnanwendungen - Führerraum - Teil 3: Gestaltung von Führerraumanzeigen
Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie 3 : Conception des affichages
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16186-3:2016/prA1
ICS:
45.060.10 9OHþQDYR]LOD Tractive stock
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 16186-3:2016
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
prA1
June 2017
ICS 45.060.10
English Version
Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 3: Design of
displays
Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie Bahnanwendungen - Führerraum - Teil 3: Gestaltung
3 : Conception des affichages von Führerraumanzeigen
This draft amendment is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 256.

This draft amendment A1, if approved, will modify the European Standard EN 16186-3:2016. If this draft becomes an
amendment, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for
inclusion of this amendment into the relevant national standard without any alteration.

This draft amendment was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
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 supporting documentation.

Warning : This docu
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