Today, representing Railfuture (the national campaign body to which SENRUG is affiliated), I attended a European Passenger Federation online seminar on the digitalisation of rail and other public transport services – that is – making data on timetables and fares available on to a common technology platform so third-party retailers can book complex itineraries involving more than one provider and potentially across several international borders. Interesting stuff. The UK of course is no longer part of the EU, but it is nevertheless in this country’s interest to participate in such initiatives. The current CIV (Conditions Internationale de Voyageurs) arrangement for rail and ferry tickets between the UK and Europe give consumers protection, but not information, but it is worth noting the UK government has recently confirmed to Railfuture that such arrangements will continue regardless of the final Brexit arrangements.
