Britain’s railway is set to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence to improve reliability, efficiency and the passenger experience, following the launch of the sector’s first-ever joint Artificial Intelligence Action Plan.
AI is already beginning to transform how the railway operates, from identifying potential faults earlier and supporting safer operations, to improving passenger journey planning and helping frontline teams respond more effectively to disruption. Under the new plan, its role is expected to grow significantly as the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
A coordinated approach to AI adoption
The Artificial Intelligence in Rail Action Plan has been developed through extensive cross-sector collaboration, led by GBRX, the strategic technology body for Britain’s railway. The plan is designed to move the industry beyond isolated pilots and trials, creating a more joined-up, railway-wide approach enabled by rail reform.
A key focus is tackling long-standing barriers to AI adoption, including data sharing, governance frameworks and skills capability, ensuring the sector can deploy AI responsibly and at scale.
Progress is already underway through the newly established AI Incubator Accelerator (AIIA). This includes a series of priority pathfinder projects and a recently launched AI and machine learning apprenticeship programme, aimed at building long-term capability across the workforce.
Together, these initiatives are intended to embed AI into how the railway is planned, operated and maintained, delivering practical improvements for passengers and freight users alike.
Industry and government voices
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“For more than two centuries, the rail industry has connected communities and driven innovation across Britain. Now, powerful new technology is redefining how we live, work and travel - and our railway must harness its potential.
"That’s why the Government published the Transport AI Action Plan last year, to seize the benefits and manage any potential risks of AI.
"It's all part of our plan to modernise track and train under Great British Railways, adopting world-leading technology that increases resilience to improve passenger experience while supporting growth, jobs and homes."
Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director, GBRX, said:
“AI presents a significant opportunity to improve how the railway works for people. In a system as complex and safety critical as ours, it requires deliberate action to create the conditions for adoption. This plan brings the sectors together to do exactly that, creating the capabilities and pathways that advance the role of AI in how the railway is planned, operated and experienced, delivering improvements for passengers and freight.”
Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s Chief Executive, said:
“This action plan shows the rail industry at its best, coming together to deliver meaningful change as we move towards GBR. These technologies are already helping to improve performance and enhance the experience for passengers and freight users.
“The publication of this plan represents a defining moment for the sector, reinforcing that collaboration across the rail industry is essential to unlock the full benefits of AI, and positioning Britain’s railways at the forefront of responsible, coordinated adoption.”
Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DFTO, said:
“Train operators and Network Rail are already using AI to retool the industry and drive improvements for passengers, bringing improved ways to manage infrastructure, services, grow revenue and improve reliability.
"The launch of a joint action plan provides industry with a roadmap on how AI can be used to make the railway more resilient and financially sustainable. This is vital if we are to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain.”
Image credits: Network Rail and iStock
