Insights blog

This month, we caught up with Darren Williams, Managing Director at Evolvi, to chat about emerging trends and the changing face of business travel.

This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Catriona Meehan, Director of Public Affairs at Omio – our newest member at Independent Rail Retailers.

Just over 25 years ago, Britain sold its first train ticket online. Fast forward to today, and passengers enjoy more choice than ever, from mobile apps and websites to contactless payments. Independent rail retailers have been central to this transformation, using technology to make train travel easier, more affordable, and more accessible – but now’s not the time to stand still.

As we celebrate Better Transport Week 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the role independent rail retailers play in building a better-connected, fairer transport future.

With the rail reform consultation now closed, the big question is: what’s next? 

For years, the annual fare rise cycle was a triple own goal for the rail industry. The dreaded January price hikes arrived at the worst possible time – after Christmas, in the cold and dark, when commuters were already reluctant to return to work. It made for great headlines, but bad optics.