The concept and methodology for reliability-centred maintenance within the aviation industry, known as Maintenance Steering Group (MSG-3), was introduced in WP2 of the SMaRTE project. The application of this method to identify the appropriate maintenance actions was demonstrated on an example case study which showed how the use of the MSG-3 decision logic helps to identify whether a time- or condition-based maintenance approach is appropriate for each maintenance significant item. This illustrated how the process could be applied for the future maintenance planning of rolling stock components/systems and support the implementation of ‘Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance’. Development of guidelines based on the MSG‐3 methodology for rolling stock could enhance the decision-making process through assessment of the maintenance needs, effectiveness of the maintenance programme and program development.