A new government-backed online rail ticket retailer will be established, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.
The service will be available once Great British Railway (GBR) is established, and is expected to start from the end of 2026 at the earliest.
Proposals for a new website and app for ticket sales were introduced by then Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in May 2021 under the Conservative government.
In December the following year, with the Conservatives still in power, the DfT announced it would “not pursue” plans for new retailers, stressing the “important role” of the private sector.
On Wednesday, under Labor, the department said: “Once Great British Railway is established in accordance with the legislation, we will integrate the ticketing websites of the individual train operators to provide online retail sales.
“This works in conjunction with 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.”
The statement added that a “precise plan” for the new retailer and “ensure a fair and competitive market” will be developed “in close collaboration with industry and the private sector.”
The GBR will be a new public agency responsible for railway infrastructure and train operations.
In December 2023, regulator the Rail and Road Authority released a report that found seven retailers, including Trainline, were using drip pricing, which involves adding fees on top of advertised low prices.
A regulatory review found that booking fees ranged from 45p per ticket to £6.45 per transaction.
Passengers can purchase tickets directly through the airline’s website or app without paying a fee.
Mark Plowright, director of retailer Virgin Trains Ticketing, said:
“However, there is still much to be done to simplify rail tickets and reduce disruption to rail travel for passengers, which is why Virgin Trains Ticket Sales continues to campaign for easier ticketing. ”
“Consumers should be able to make informed decisions about the tickets that are best for them, and all ticket retailers should have access to the same deals and offers to enable this.”
