19.02.13
Fare data to be available to all
The DfT is to make comprehensive fare data available to the public for the first time, transport minister Norman Baker has announced.
It means that passengers will be able to access free up-to-date information on the best ticket deals. Previously, this information was only available under a paid-for licence.
The move is part of the Government’ transparency drive and will support the development of price comparison websites and mobile phone apps. The data breaks down the range of fares between different locations and is available here when you register.
Baker said: “The Government is committed to providing greater clarity around information and the publication of this comprehensive fare data is a vital first step in providing passengers with a platform to make more informed ticket choices.
“In industries where this information has been made available previously we have a seen a raft of price comparison websites and mobile apps developed and I am confident we will see the same results here.
“It is now down to private sector companies to seize this opportunity and I encourage them to start working on products which can provide real benefits to both passengers and the market.”
Steve Howes, managing director of Rail Settlement Plan (RSP), said: “The way people access information about and buy all sorts of services is changing. Train companies have decided to make their fares data available to developers to enhance further the ability of passengers to access accurate information and find the right ticket at the right price.
“Providing this data for free is the latest step in a decade-long process that has seen the rail industry make more information publicly available than other transport sectors in this country and other railways overseas. Rail passengers in Britain now enjoy access to information on fares and timetables that is unrivalled elsewhere in the world.”
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