The UK government has announced an update regarding previously proposed plans for rail ticketing reforms under the William Shapps plan for the future of British railways.

Updated on December 14, 2023, the government stated it is no longer pursuing a centralised Great British Railways online ticket retailer. This had been set out under the 2021 rail strategy white paper from Keith Williams, independent chair of the Rail Review, and Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport.

Instead, the latest update explains that private retailers will continue selling tickets alongside existing third-party retailers. The government said its focus is now on opening up railway data and systems to lower barriers to entry for independent ticket retailers.

The stated goal is to improve passenger experience by promoting further competition in the online rail ticket market. The government highlighted the important role of the private sector in driving innovation and attracting customers to railways.

No further statistics or operational details were given regarding the impacts of this updated approach to ticket retailing. The government update came as part of a broader address on delivering an efficient, financially sustainable railway network.