UIC Leaflet 775: The Universal Language of Railway Signage

What is UIC Leaflet 775?

UIC Leaflet 775 is the definitive standard regarding “Signs and pictograms at stations and in trains.” Its primary objective is to facilitate passenger movement and orientation within the railway environment, regardless of the passenger’s native language.

In an international transport network, relying solely on text is inefficient and exclusionary. UIC 775 establishes a common visual vocabulary—symbols, icons, and colors—that allows a traveler to navigate a station in Tokyo, Paris, or Berlin with equal ease. It covers everything from locating platforms and restrooms to identifying safety equipment.

Core Principles of Visual Standardization

The leaflet sets out specific design parameters to ensure instant recognition and legibility. Key elements include:

• Pictograms: Standardized graphical symbols for essential services (e.g., ticket offices, lost property, elevators, and Wi-Fi zones).
• Color Coding: Defining specific colors for different categories of information (e.g., Green for safety/exit, Blue for general information, Red for prohibition/danger).
• Placement and Visibility: Guidelines on where signs should be mounted to maximize visibility lines and reduce visual clutter in high-traffic zones.

Relevance to Accessibility (TSI PRM)

UIC Leaflet 775 plays a crucial role in accessibility. Clear, high-contrast signage is a fundamental requirement for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and those with cognitive impairments.

Modern iterations of these standards align closely with the TSI PRM (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) regulations. This ensures that font sizes, contrast ratios (light on dark or dark on light), and symbol clarity meet the needs of visually impaired passengers.

Evolution: From UIC 775 to IRS and ISO Standards

While UIC 775 laid the groundwork for rail-specific iconography, global standardization has moved towards broader integration. Much of the content in UIC 775 is now harmonized with ISO 7001 (Public information symbols) to ensure consistency not just between trains, but between airports, subways, and public streets.

Comparison: UIC 775 vs. General ISO Standards

Why Standardized Signage Matters

For railway operators, adhering to UIC 775 (and its successors like IRS 70775) reduces the cognitive load on passengers. Efficient wayfinding speeds up passenger flow, reduces congestion on platforms, and minimizes the need for staff assistance, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of station operations.