The government has announced that it is no longer pursuing plans for Great British Railways to operate a centralised online rail ticket ticketing system.

Despite concerns about ‘drip pricing’ by private retailers, the Conservative government asserts that, “The private sector plays an important role in driving innovation and attracting more customers to the railway”.

It explains that its focus is on opening up railway data and systems, and making it easier for private ticket retailers to access the market.

Train operating companies will continue to sell tickets to passengers online, as will existing third-party retailers. The government says that it will “develop measures to spur further competition in the online rail ticket retail market” rather than have the public body GB Railways run a central system.

A spokesperson for Independent Rail Retailers (IRR), which represents private ticket sellers, said, “Whilst we support competition, there has to be a level playing field for all retailers, and this is especially important if train operators are to continue selling tickets online. However, we welcome the government’s renewed support for independent retailers and its commitment to open up the market, by reducing the barriers to entry and increasing access to data. Our members’ focus is on making it simpler, easier and cheaper to buy a ticket; encouraging new, innovative companies into rail retailing can only help to improve customer focus and the passenger experience.”

Private ticket seller Trainline, which RMT accused of ‘profiteering’ in October, has seen its share price rise by 14.5% this morning following the government’s announcement.