Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced that following the publication of comprehensive fare data, rail passengers will be able to access free and up-to-date information on the best ticket deals.

After previously only being available under a paid-for licence, the fares database can now be accessed totally free of charge through the Association for Train Operating Companies website.

Greater data transparency

Following discussions between the Department for Transport as well as the trade association, the publication falls in line with the governments want to push for greater transparency around data.

The publication is also necessary in aiding with the development of price comparison websites as well as mobile phone app, which benefit customers.

The fares database, which had previously only been available under a paid-for licence, can now be accessed for free through the Association for Train Operating Companies (ATOC) website following discussions between the Department for Transport and the trade association.

Transport Minister Norman 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.

Passengers can see broad breakdown of fares

The database itself offers a broad breakdown of the range of fares that passengers can choose from, covering a wide range of difference locations and continues on from the release of timetabling information for free, which was made public by the industry at the end of 2011.

Steve Howes, Managing Director of Rail Settlement Plan (RSP), added:

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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