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. From Omio’s mission to make journeys simpler, to their passion for improving passenger experiences, we got to know the company behind the app. Catriona also shared her thoughts on rail reform, travel innovation, and what Great Britain can learn from European train travel.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and a fun fact?
I’m Catriona Meehan, Director of Public Affairs at Omio. I’ve worked across government and tech, focusing on how policy can actually make travel better.
Fun fact: I grew up in Luxembourg, where you can hop on a train and be in France, Germany or Belgium in under 30 minutes. Growing up with that kind of seamless cross-border travel made it feel completely normal and it’s why I’m so passionate about making that the standard, not the exception.
Who Is Omio and what do you do?
Omio is a travel platform that brings together trains, buses, flights and ferries in one place. We partner with thousands of transport companies to help people plan and book journeys across Europe and beyond.
Whether you’re heading from London to Liverpool or Berlin to Budapest, we help make the whole trip simple and seamless.
What makes Omio different?
Omio is designed around how people actually travel. We are multimodal, international and mobile-first.
While other platforms focus on just flights or one provider, we showcase multiple transport modes and a plethora of travel providers. That means you can compare all your options, pick the one that works best and book it with confidence. More choice, less stress, better journeys.
Is Innovation really the key to success in travel?
Absolutely. Technology has changed what people expect. Mobile tickets, real-time updates, instant refunds – these are now the basics, not the bonus.
Independent platforms like Omio are leading the way. But innovation can’t flourish unless the conditions are fair. We need equal access to fares, promotions, ticketing systems and data. That creates a level playing field where the best solutions win.
What’s train travel like in the rest of europe? Can we learn anything?
Train travel across Europe is mixed, but there are some strong examples to follow. Countries like Italy have opened up high-speed rail to competition and passengers have benefited from better prices, more choice and strong digital access.
But there are also cautionary tales. In some countries, national rail companies still use their dominance to control ticketing and limit access. That shuts out independent retailers, blocks competition and holds back innovation.
The UK has a big opportunity here. Let’s not fall into the trap of creating a new monopoly. Let’s create a system that is open, fair, focused on innovation and built around what travellers actually need.
Are people in Britain changing how they travel?
Yes, they are. Rail is making a strong comeback, especially for leisure. People are choosing it because it’s greener, more comfortable and often more convenient.
They also expect the same digital experience they get from other sectors, such as retail or streaming. That means mobile-first, flexible and easy to use. We are also seeing more spontaneous trips, so travellers want quick booking and clear refund policies. That is now the standard.
What are some of the biggest challenges for independent rail retailers?
Right now, the biggest challenge is the system itself. As Britain moves toward a centralised rail structure, there is a risk that the public body in charge of the network also becomes the dominant retailer.
If independent platforms are sidelined, passengers lose out. Innovation slows, choice disappears, and the system becomes less responsive to customer needs.
At Omio, we actively work with rail operators to support their growth. We are not just competing, we help bring new customers into the ecosystem, especially international travellers, and generate demand that might not otherwise reach them.
The solution is not complicated. Set clear rules that separate market oversight from market participation. Give all licensed platforms fair access to fares, data and aftersales tools. Then let customers decide who does the best job.
What does rail reform mean for Omio?
It’s a big moment with big potential. Reform could finally create a simpler, more joined-up railway that puts passengers first. For Omio, that’s exciting. We want to be part of a modern rail system that’s open, digital, and built around how people actually travel.
But there’s also a risk. If reform leads to a system where one central body controls both infrastructure and retail, and prioritises its own sales channels, that shuts out independent platforms like ours. It limits competition, slows down innovation, and ultimately hurts the customer.
What we need is a rail system that welcomes multiple retailers, not just one. That means clear, enforceable rules on fair access to fares, ticketing systems and aftersales. It means creating space for innovation and choice. That way, companies like Omio can keep doing what we do best: making travel better for everyone.
What would you say to Lord Hendy?
Build a rail system that puts passengers first.
Make access to fares, ticketing systems and aftersales open, fair and future-proof so travellers can book where it works for them, not where they’re funnelled.
Make a clear distinction between the body that runs the system and those who sell the tickets. You cannot have fair competition if the regulator is also a retailer.
And finally, back innovation. If Britain wants to lead on smart, sustainable transport, it needs a system that welcomes new ideas, new platforms and better ways to travel.
We’d like to thank Catriona for sharing her insights and passion for better travel. Omio’s focus on innovation, passenger choice and seamless journeys positions them as one of the rail retailers shaping the future, and we’re thrilled to welcome them as members at Independent Rail Retailers. Find out more about Omio here or check them out and book your next train ticket with Omio.
