The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its Transport Data Action Plan, a comprehensive programme designed to transform how data is shared, accessed and used across all modes of transport in the UK. For the rail industry—already in the midst of structural reform and technological modernisation—the plan represents both a challenge and a significant opportunity to deliver a more integrated, passenger‑focused and digitally intelligent network.
The DfT argues that data remains “locked away, siloed or difficult to use”, slowing innovation, undermining passenger confidence and preventing operators from deploying more advanced analytics, AI tools and automation. The Action Plan, aligned with the upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy, sets out 10 major actions to embed data sharing, standardisation, skills development and ethical governance across the entire transport ecosystem.
A ‘whole‑journey’ experience underpinned by better rail data
A consistent message throughout the plan is that passengers expect seamless end‑to‑end journeys—across rail, bus, micromobility, road and active travel—and that this requires consistent, high‑quality, interoperable data covering every stage of a journey. For rail users, this means more accurate disruption information, better accessibility data, clearer interchange guidance and stronger integration with local transport modes.
The rail industry is already highlighted as a positive example of progress. The Rail Data Marketplace (RDM), now used by almost 4,000 organisations and hosting more than 220 data products, is praised as a model for innovation. New datasets such as the Rail Customer Experience Survey—linking customer sentiment with operational performance—demonstrate how joined‑up rail data can shape service improvements.
But the plan stresses that the industry must go much further. Data touching rail services is often fragmented, inconsistently formatted or not shared widely enough. The DfT wants all organisations—including the future Great British Railways (GBR)—to embed data sharing principles into procurement, operations and planning as standard practice.
APIs to become the norm—transforming transport integration
A major policy shift is the DfT’s expectation that APIs will become the default method of sharing transport data, enabling real-time data flows to journey planners, mapping tools, customer apps and operational systems. For rail, this will accelerate the ability of third‑party developers and operators to access live service information, enhancing everything from multimodal journey planning to AI‑driven disruption management.
The DfT will conduct an assessment of all its open datasets to identify which should be API‑enabled. It will also require suppliers delivering services for the department to produce secure, usable APIs as part of commercial agreements—setting a precedent likely to influence future rail technology procurement.
Strengthening data standards—including a new Transport Data Ontology
To unlock genuine cross‑modal integration, the DfT plans to coordinate development of a Transport Data Ontology, mapping how different datasets, assets and terminology relate across modes. For rail, this could create a common language for stations, rolling stock, services, accessibility features and timetable information—reducing the friction of combining data from multiple sources.
The plan acknowledges current inconsistencies—for example, station naming conventions—that can hinder digital tools. The DfT will review terminology across the sector and develop mapping resources that maintain existing formats while enabling interoperability.
Improving data quality and modernising data collection
Data quality remains a challenge in rail, particularly where legacy systems or manual data gathering are still common. The DfT will engage with RDM users to assess whether more active quality assurance is required, and will publish new research into sensor and camera data—pointing to opportunities to enhance rail asset monitoring, passenger flow analysis and operational oversight.
A notable rail-specific commitment is the collection and publication of rail replacement bus stop data via the NaPTAN database, helping passengers better navigate planned disruptions.
Historic Bus Open Data Service (BODS) datasets may also be made available, offering new insights for integrating bus‑rail interchange planning.
People, skills and leadership—recognising digital capability gaps
The DfT warns of widening disparities between digitally mature transport authorities and smaller local bodies. To close the gap, it will promote knowledge sharing, partner lower‑capacity organisations with higher‑capacity counterparts, and develop a national roadmap of “data maturity” to guide improvement.
For rail suppliers and operators, this renewed focus on leadership and culture reinforces a growing expectation that digital competence is a core operational requirement, not a specialist add‑on.
Ensuring data reflects passenger needs—including disabled people
The plan emphasises inclusivity, highlighting evidence that disabled passengers face significant barriers due to poor or inaccessible journey information. The DfT will lead a programme to improve the accuracy and consistency of data supporting accessible travel—an area of particular relevance for station operators, rolling stock companies and app developers.
The publication of the FUSION dataset—combining survey and mobile data to map multimodal journeys—marks a step towards richer, more people‑centred modelling.
Ethics, governance and the rise of AI
As AI tools become more embedded in transport operations—from predictive maintenance to passenger information—the DfT stresses the need for robust, ethical and legally compliant data governance. It will publish new guidance on principles and ethics, and establish a comprehensive framework for transport data that includes structured data layers and the new ontology.
What this means for the rail sector
The Transport Data Action Plan confirms a clear direction of travel: rail will need to operate as part of a fully integrated, data‑driven national transport ecosystem.
For rail leaders and suppliers, the message is unambiguous:
- data sharing must become the default
- APIs will underpin future digital services
- consistent, interoperable standards will be mandatory
- accessibility and passenger needs must be front‑and‑centre
- investment in data skills is essential
- innovation depends on trusted, high‑quality data
The rail industry stands to benefit greatly—but only if it embraces the changes with the same urgency the DfT now expects.
Image credit: iStock
