The update to the VDV core application
(((etiCORE is coming
We are developing the next generation of the ticketing standard and supporting the German public transport sector with its implementation.
What is (((etiCORE?
(((etiCORE is the further development of the VDV core application, the open standard for electronic ticketing used by all transport operators and networks in Germany. Unlike VDV-KA, (((etiCORE is entirely in English and offers more modern cryptography, longer key lifespans and significantly less administrative effort.
(((etiCORE has been running in parallel with VDV-KA 1.x since 2026. It will replace it entirely by the end of 2031.
(((etiCORE is changing all that
- With (((etiCORE, you can use SAMs and user media in the long term and renew certificates once they have expired.
- Workarounds are no longer necessary
- the architecture is clearer and there is less key management
As a result, ticket issuance and verification are twice or five times as fast as under the VDV-KA standard. In future, you will be able to order the security components for (((etiCORE from the eTicket Security Hub (ESH).
Recommendation for action regarding (((etiCORE validation
From 1 May 2028, all transport operators carrying out ticket inspections must be able to check Deutschland-Tickets in the (((etiCORE format. Our recommendations for action will assist with the timely transition of ticketing systems. The framework specifications contain specific requirements for ticketing devices and back-end systems, which can be used directly for tenders and contracts.
This is how much (((etiCORE costs
Together with the ICG Information Consulting Group and TCAC GmbH, we have drawn up sample calculations for the implementation of (((etiCORE for small, medium-sized and large transport companies.
The calculations are based on actual quotations, development costs and industry benchmarks.
Seminars & Training Courses
We offer introductory and specialist seminars on (((etiCORE, both face-to-face and online.
(((etiCORE implementation
TL;DR: For anyone who finds guides too long, we’ve put together a quick guide with all the key links for working with (((etiCORE.
A look at the model
You can find the online model, the interfaces and the ASN.1 specification here.
Migration timetable
Updating to (((etiCORE is just like any other system update: the transition doesn’t happen overnight, but at some point it will be complete and the old system will no longer be supported.