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 alongside VDV-KA 1.x since 2026. It will completely replace it by the end of 2031.
(((etiCORE changes ticketing
- With (((etiCORE, you can use SAMs and user media in the long term and renew certificates once they have expired.
- Workarounds are no longer needed
- 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 via the eTicket Security Hub (ESH).
Seminars & training
We offer introductory and specialist seminars on (((etiCORE, both face-to-face and online.
The costs of implementing (((etiCORE
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.
(((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.
Take 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 come to an end and the old system will no longer be supported.