The UK’s rail ticketing system will be unified in a single website, simplifying the current system where operators have their own sales portals, the government has announced.
In its manifesto, the Labour Party committed to the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) – an effective gradual renationalisation of the UK’s rail system. The creation of the new website is part of that process, and will be necessary once operators transfer to public ownership.
But the site will not launch until GBR starts operating, which is expected to be in late 2026 at the earliest.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said: “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. Further detail will be consulted on as part of wider proposals to establish Great British Railways, which will be delivered through the Railways Bill.”
It added that the new site would operate side by side...