The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has launched a consultation on a draft Retail Code of Practice designed to protect competition and passenger choice in the future online rail ticket retail market under Great British Railways (GBR).
The proposed code comes as GBR prepares to take on a central role in rail retailing, operating most passenger rail services while also selling tickets through digital channels, station ticket offices and onboard services.
As part of its responsibilities, GBR will manage a range of industry retail functions that third-party retailers depend on, including central IT systems, data processing and the licensing arrangements that enable non-GBR retailers to operate within the market.
ORR said the new Retail Code of Practice is intended to ensure independent ticket retailers continue to receive fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to fares, products, systems and associated services. The regulator wants to prevent GBR from gaining an unfair advantage over competing online retailers while carrying out its wider market management responsibilities.
The draft code also outlines expectations around the management of conflicts of interest, protection of commercially sensitive information and transparent decision-making processes that affect the wider rail retail sector.
Under the proposals, compliance with the Retail Code would become a condition of GBR's operating licence. This would allow ORR to monitor adherence and, where necessary, consider formal enforcement action. In addition, GBR would remain subject to UK competition law and would be required to act in a manner that does not distort the online retail market, exclude competitors or abuse its market position.
Commenting on the consultation, Stephanie Tobyn, ORR's Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform, 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.”
ORR is encouraging responses from independent retailers, train operators, passenger groups, consumer organisations and other stakeholders with an interest in the future structure of Britain's rail retail market.
The consultation will remain open until 11 December 2026, with feedback helping to shape the final version of the Retail Code, which is expected to be published in Spring 2027.
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