A new Government-backed online train ticket retailer is to be created, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.
The service will be available after Great British Railways (GBR) is established, which is expected to be from late 2026 at the earliest.
A proposal for a new website and app to sell tickets was introduced under the Conservative government in May 2021 by then-transport secretary Grant Shapps.
The following December, the DfT – with the Conservatives still in power – highlighted the “important role” of the private sector as it announced it was “not pursuing” plans for a new retailer.
It will work alongside a thriving private sector retail market, where all rail retailers can compete in an open and fair manner
Department for Transport
On Wednesday, under the Labour Government, the department 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.”
The statement added that “exact plans” for the new retailer and “ensuring a fair and competitive market” will be developed “in close partnership with industry and the private sector”.
GBR will be a new public sector body to hold responsibility for rail infrastructure and train operation.
