The UK's Office of Rail and Road has launched a consultation on a draft of a new retail Code of Practice which plan to set new safeguards for the online rail ticket market, once Great British Railways (GBR) takes over.
GBR is set to operate most passenger rail services, set the customer offer, and sell tickets itself across digital, station and on-train channels, as well as manage the central industry IT systems, data processing and third-party retailer licensing for other retailers, like Trainline (LSE:TRN).
"GBR will have an important role in shaping the future retail market, while also selling tickets itself," said Stephanie Tobyn, the ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, adding that the proposed code "will provide enforceable safeguards to help maintain a fair and open online retail market, supporting passenger choice."
The regulator has already engaged representative organisations and key stakeholders, and is now inviting independent retailers, rail operators, and passenger and consumer groups to respond.
The outcome matters for Trainline's management, which previously pointed to plans to open Delay Repay to third-party retailers, once GBR launches, as a potential commercial opportunity.
The consultation closes on 11 December, with the final Retail Code expected to be published in the spring of 2027.