5 November 2025: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the national association for transport technology, has urged the Government to ensure the new Great British Railways (GBR) is founded on principles of openness, innovation, and integration, as the Railways Bill is introduced to Parliament.

The Bill will establish Great British Railways as a new publicly owned body, bringing together track and train management with the aim of creating a more unified, reliable rail network that better serves passengers and freight.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK Said: “It is positive to see the Railways Bill published and the Government set out clearly its proposals for the creation of Great British Railways.

“It is also great to see the Bill recognise the role rail stands to play as part of a larger integrated network, working alongside the Integrated National Transport Strategy, as well as Mayors and Strategic Authorities to balance local, regional and national needs.

“For the intelligent transport industry, it is critical that the new GBR body provides an environment where the private sector can innovate and thrive. The Government can do so by making a clear commitment to an ‘open by default’ approach to data and by ensuring fair competition across ticket retailing – thereby unlocking the cutting-edge innovations that will give consumers better choice, value and experience across the rail network.

“We look forward to working with Government as the Bill begins its passage through Parliament in the weeks ahead.”

Note to Editors

1. ITS UK’s call for ‘open by default’ approach to data

• Open data is data that anyone can access, use or share. ‘Open by default’ means providing and maintaining data assets in an open, machine-readable format, publicly available way unless there are specific reasons – such as privacy or commercial concerns – not to do so.
• Making rail data ‘open by default’, allows individuals to access data bases they contribute to, and the private sector to develop platforms, apps, and services which facilitate journeys.
• TfL estimated that their Open Data Initiative has been proven to deliver £130 million a year in benefits, with estimated journey time savings of £70-90 million It was also found to have supported 500+ jobs, contributed £12-15 million annually to London’s economy and enabled the creation of 600+ transport apps, widely used by the public. The Initiative costs around £1 million a year to maintain, showing a major return on investment for the city.

2. Fair competition for rail ticketing and retail

• GBR will consolidate the 14 existing operator websites into a single online platform that will compete alongside independent retailers.
• ITS UK believe that, to ensure fairness, the Government should include, in primary legislation, the creation of an independent regulator, or the attribution of these duties to the ORR, to ensure fair competition for retail and smart ticketing companies. Responsibilities should include licensing, an appeals function, and designing a market access code.
• This will also mean ensuring GBR retail competes on equal terms with existing retail companies. This requires structural separation preventing cross-subsidy; equal access and processes to obtain data, retail licenses, and GBR services.

3. ITS UK submitted a response to the Department for Transport consultation A Railway Fit for Britain’s Future, outlining recommendations for how GBR can best support innovation, data openness, and integration across the wider transport network – read the response here.

4. About ITS UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support over 190 members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem. www.its-uk.org