9th Oct 2026 11:27
(Alliance News) - Trainline PLC on Friday said the Office of Rail & Road's draft Retail Code of Practice was "an important step" but required "further strengthening" to ensure competitors were not excluded.
The London-based rail and coach ticketing platform said the draft provided a strong foundation for a fair, competitive market.
The draft code published on Friday sets out rules for how Great British Railways should operate in the rail ticket retail market.
It aims to ensure independent retailers have fair access to fares, ticketing systems and data, while preventing GBR from gaining an unfair advantage over competitors.
Under the draft code, the ORR would monitor compliance and could take enforcement action where necessary.
About the draft code, Trainline said: "Although still in draft, the publication is an important step forward for UK rail retail. For the first time, there will be a regulatory framework governing how Great British Railways ('GBR') interacts with all retail market participants.
"The draft confirms fair, transparent, non-discriminatory access to fares, products, systems and data, which is a positive foundation for a fair, open and competitive retail market.
"Trainline believes that the proposed Code and frameworks require further strengthening to deliver fully on this commitment."
Trainline said it would engage actively in the consultation.
The consultation closes on December 11, with a final version of the code expected in spring 2027.
ORR’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform Stephanie Tobyn said: "GBR will have an important role in shaping the future retail market, while also selling tickets itself. Our proposed Retail Code of Practice will provide enforceable safeguards to help maintain a fair and open online retail market, supporting passenger choice.
"We’ve already engaged with representative organisations and key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from everyone with an interest in the future online rail retail market. Their views will help us ensure the Retail Code of Practice is effective in supporting a fair and open market."
Shares in Trainline were up 4.3% at 210.40 pence on Friday morning in London.
By Niall Holden, Alliance News reporter
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