Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) has today published a new paper, “More Data, More Passengers”, setting out the case for an Availability Distribution Service (ADS), also known as open rail data. The paper explains how a more open data framework could modernise Britain’s rail reservation system, improve passenger experience and help drive industry revenue.
The report argues that ADS would give retailers — and, in future, Great British Railways — access to far greater volumes of data, enabling them to surface fares and journey options that cannot be sold or reliably accessed today. It says this could unlock significantly more journey availability for passengers and boost rail industry revenue by up to £500m per year [1].
Today, the rail reservation system is held back by legacy technology and fragmented data, limiting the range of journeys, fares and options available to passengers. Retailers are currently restricted in what they can offer, but ADS could help change that.
By moving to an open data framework — similar to Transport for London’s network — retailers would be able to access real-time fares and availability, helping them present richer, more accurate and more varied journey options. This would make it easier for passengers to plan journeys, compare choices and benefit from a more intuitive booking experience.
Beyond improving customer experience, the report highlights a major commercial opportunity. Currently, every fare search is processed centrally through the reservation system, creating a cost even when no booking is made. Under ADS, retailers would carry out searches locally, while the reservation system would handle bookings only.
This would remove much of the processing burden, reduce costs to taxpayers, improve conversion rates and help grow rail revenue — supporting the Government’s focus on reducing subsidy and increasing passenger numbers.
Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said:
“Britain’s railways already generate enormous amounts of valuable data every day. ADS shows how opening up that information can unlock real benefits for passengers and the industry.
Current systems are outdated and no longer reflect how people expect to plan and buy travel. Passengers want clarity, simplicity and better tools to help them make decisions.
This is a moment for meaningful reform. Rail modernisation should not just be structural; it should also be digital, with passengers and innovation at its core.”
As the Railways Bill progresses through Parliament, IRR believes there is a rare opportunity to modernise rail’s reservation system without the need for new legislation. It says ADS could provide a practical route to a more efficient, passenger-focused system that supports better journey choice, higher industry revenue and lower operating costs. These changes can be delivered now, helping unlock a more open and modern railway.
Note to Editors
- Research by Jacobs predicts £500m in incremental revenue with ADS. Read more here: https://raileasy.co.uk/improving-uk-rail-fares-and-train-ticketing.
- Independent Rail Retailers is the membership and advocacy body representing Britain’s main third-party ticket retailers; Assertis, Atomised, Evolvi, Fast Rail Ticketing, My Train Ticket, Omio, OnTrack, Raileasy, Trainline, and Trip.com.
Independent retailers have reshaped the way passengers buy train tickets, using modern technology and user-friendly platforms to make journey planning, ticket booking, and travel updates easier and more accessible than ever.
Now, more change is on the way. With Great British Railways Retail preparing to enter the rail retail market, questions are emerging about the future of competition, the role of third-party retailers, and the potential impact on passengers and taxpayers.
In the latest issue of RAIL magazine, our Chair, Anthony Smith, reflects on the evolution of rail retail, highlights the value of a competitive market, and underscores the importance of fair and transparent conditions to support innovation and deliver the best outcomes for passengers.
Read more in RAIL magazine.