Category: News

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) have today responded to the introduction of the Railways Bill to Parliament, describing it as “opening the door to meaningful reform” with the potential to benefit passengers, taxpayers, and the wider industry.

Independent Rail Retailers had the pleasure of attending and sponsoring the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) recent event on Whole System Planning. Hosted at Salesforce’s London offices, the event brought together industry leaders to explore how investment, innovation, and collaboration can shape the future of rail.

We’re proud to sponsor Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail series on Whole System Planning.

“As MPs examine the forthcoming bill over the autumn, I urge them to consider: will the passenger experience improve from day one?

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) launched a new prospectus setting out a clear vision for the future of rail retailing highlighting the key role independent retailers play in modernising the passenger experience, growing rail use, and supporting a competitive, customer-first rail industry. 

Anthony Smith, Chair at IRR, took the stage to deliver a keynote on unlocking growth through innovation, customer-centric retail strategies, and industry collaboration.

Independent Rail Retailers is taking part in this year’s upcoming Better Transport Week conference, hosted by Campaign for Better Transport on Friday 20 June 2025 at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Anthony Smith, Chair at IRR, takes part in the upcoming Rail Passenger Experience online conference, hosted by Rail Technology Magazine on 12 June 2025.

Last week, our Chair, Anthony Smith, spoke at the Railfuture conference on the future of regional and national rail. It was a well-informed, passionate audience – united by one goal: getting more people back on rail.

As the future of rail retailing evolves, there’s a major opportunity to grow industry revenue, cut costs, and rebuild passenger confidence – not by focusing solely on transactions, but by selling the experience of travel.