New government backed train ticket website to be created – how will it work?
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Passengers caught out by UK train ticketing could soon have more clarity on the purchase process. The sale of train tickets is set for a major overhaul after the government revealed a new plan as part of the Great British Railways overhaul. It would create a new website and app to sell tickets customers can use to buy tickets under one roof instead of using a myriad of retailer websites or purchase tickets directly from operators.
![[A Virgin train travelling on the railways.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PRI_106348253-00bf.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The proposal follows in the footsteps of previous plans tabled in May 2021 by then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. However, the previous Conservative government said in December 2021 that the private sector played an ‘important role’ and that it would no longer pursue the ticket overhaul.
It comes just weeks after the first three rail operators to be renationalised were named as part of the ‘shake-up’ of the UK’s railways. Further details of how the retailer works will be announced later, but here is what we know about the plan. The new ticket retailer would bring all tickets under one, designed to simplify the buying process for customers facing a web of options.
Currently, passengers can purchase tickets through retailers such as National Rail and Trainline or directly with the train operator. Retailers can add booking fees. Train operators are free to decide the prices of unregulated fares such as first class tickets, advance purchase and saver tickets.
