Making a success of Great British Railways

The future of Britain’s railways has often been described with a mix of hope and scepticism. It’s no secret the railways need help to get back on track (mind the pun). But things are changing. With the right people in place and the right commitments being made, Britain’s rail future is looking brighter but we […]

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

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.

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. 

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.

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