Individual train operators’ ticket websites will be brought together online under a government-backed platform as part of plans to simplify life for passengers
A new Government-backed online train ticket retailer will be created as part of the renationalisation of British railways, the Department for Transport has announced.
Labour has vowed to simplify the complicated ticketing system and take the stress out of the “labyrinth of fares”. Tickets will now be sold on a government-backed platform that will bring together individual train operators’ ticket websites.
It is part of the government’s plan to put passengers “back at the heart” of Britain’s railways with the state-owned Great British Railways. Detailed plans for “Great British Railways online retail” will now be developed with businesses in the railway industry.
In a statement on the DfT website, ministers said: “After Great British Railways is established following legislation, it will retail online by bringing together individual train operators’ ticket websites. It will work alongside a thriving private sector retail market, where all rail retailers can compete in an open and fair manner.
“The private sector will continue to play a key role in driving growth through innovation and investment, and encouraging more people to choose rail. Exact plans for Great British Railways online retail and ensuring a fair and competitive market will now be developed over time in close partnership with industry and the private sector.”
On Monday it was announced that rail passengers will be able to use tap-in and tap-out ticketing in more stations under a push to expand contactless train travel by the end of the year. Some 47 stations in the South East will get a new ticketing system for the first time from next month with another 49 locations rolled out over the year, including London Stansted Airport. The move aims to save passengers time and money by guaranteeing the best value ticket.
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The first operator – South Western Railways – will transfer to public ownership next May. And all passenger services across Britain operated under contracts with the Department for Transport will complete over the next three years.
The announced timetable comes just days after the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 received Royal Assent in December. Labour said the shake-up would tackle unacceptable levels of delays, cancellations, and waste seen under decades of what it called “failing” franchise contracts.
