Technology and private sector innovation must be at the heart of rail reform

techUK has submitted a policy paper to Government ahead of the Railways Bill being published.

techUK has submitted a policy paper to a number of key government departments to ensure that techUK members’ voices are heard ahead of the publication of the Railways Bill.

techUK has called for the Government and Great British Railways (GBR) to embrace digital transformation, private sector innovation, and economic growth. The UK rail system needs a tech-forward, digital-first approach to GBR’s operations, integrating rail into a smarter, multimodal transport ecosystem. We are calling for streamlined regulation, strategic direction, and innovation targets to avoid legacy system entrenchment and promote openness and resilience.

It is also key that there is fair competition in the retail market, with a clear separation between GBR’s retail and operational functions, and equal standards for state and independent retailers. The overall operating strategy should align with government goals and mandate integration of AI, data analytics, and green technologies, with transparent reporting on innovation efforts.

Please email [email protected] for more information, and to get involved in techUK’s rail work.

Rail Bill -- techUK cross-departmental submission (Oct 2025)

Robert Price

Programme Manager, Transport and Mobility, techUK

Robert joined techUK in January 2025 as our Programme Manager for Transport and Mobility.

He works on a wide range of areas across road, rail, aviation, and maritime, with an overarching focus on enabling, advocating, and championing the technological innovations that will build the transport systems of the future.

Prior to this role, Robert worked in the House of Commons for a Member of Parliament and in public affairs roles in both agency and trade association settings. He holds a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics degree from the University of Oxford as well as a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2000
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjlprice/

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Smart Infrastructure and Systems Programme activities

techUK champion the role of technology in driving positive outcomes in our built infrastructure; from hitting net zero goals to improving safety. In doing so, we also optimise the commercial and regulatory landscape to ensure innovation in infrastructure can flourish. Visit the programme page here