Research has been an integral part of the Rail Data Marketplace and allowed us to build on our previous understanding of our users. We had the objective to test the following key areas using a mixture of the interviews and a survey
We need you to help shape the Rail Data Marketplace's development. If you would like to take part in a user research interview (45mins) please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
"...we’re finding ways to better use data, following the £5 million funding commitment for the Rail Data Marketplace in the summer.
I believe, when it comes to data, an ‘open by default approach’ is best. Because only then can innovators and developers use rail data not only to deliver a more efficient network, but enhance the passenger experience too."
- Chris Heaton-Harris MP (speech delivered on 07/12/21 at the seventh annual Rail Industry Forum)
What is Rail Data Marketplace?
The Rail Data Marketplace will bring together fragmented sources of rail data into an easy-to-use digital service. The service will provide the tools and frameworks to simplify data sharing between data consumers and the rail industry, opening data up to innovators to develop new tools and services for the industry and its passengers.
The Rail Data Marketplace will deliver a new way of sharing data between consumers – including app developers, tech firms, academia – and the rail industry. New data sharing opportunities will drive innovation, leading to the development of innovative passenger-facing applications, operational efficiencies and improved transparency.
By adopting an ‘open by default’ approach, the Rail Data Marketplace will remove barriers and make it easeir for partners to work with the railway industry. Better access to quality rail data is seen as a key driver of better customer service and innovation across the industry, and forms one of the key commitments of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.
With funding announced in June 2021, the programme of work has begun and is being delivered by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), and oversight by the Rail Data Council. Representatives from across the sector – including the Department for Transport, Rail Supply Group, RSSB, and Network Rail – have been working in partnership to kickstart the development of the service.
The first iteration of the Rail Data Marketplace is timetabled formid-2022, following engagement with stakeholders, understanding of requirements and build of the platform. A public Beta version is planned for late summer 2022. A detailed timetable will be provided in due course.
Programme objectives
The long-term goal of the Rail Data Marketplace Programme is to develop a user-centred, business-to-business digital service that:
Provides access to data and real-time rail information, which stimulates innovation and enables the development of customer-focused products and services.
Improves data sharing across operational bodies, which leads to efficiency gains across the industry.
Improves access to high-quality rail data for public and private bodies which supports growth in rail and cross-modal public transport.
Provides a learning platform where users can access a rich source of data about the rail industry.
In realising these objectives, the Rail Data Marketplace will:
Provide data that is transparent, and presents a ‘single source of truth’, meets a minimum standard of quality, and avoids a high barrier to entry for users.
Establish community forums for users to raise issues, make suggestions for improvements (to the Rail Data Marketplace and to data itself), and request new datasets.
Deliver enhancements, new features, services and datasets which responds to user needs.
Make it easy to explore existing data sources.
Help organisations to understand the contents of a data source, and provide technical documentation along with it.
Show users how to connect to data and how to test that connection.
Have clear terms of use for data sources and make signing up to them quick and easy.
Privacy notice
If you subscribe to RDM News, the Rail Data Marketplace team will hold your details only for the purposes of sending you updates regarding the Rail Data Marketplace for the duration of the programme. Your details will not be shared or sold to any third parties. If you wish to no longer receive email updates, please send a request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to cancel your subscription.
Events
If you would like us to give an update on the Rail Data Marketplace at events you are hosting, please get in touch.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Railtex / Infrarail
International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems & Services, and Infrarail, International Railway Infrastructure Exhibition, will take place in Olympia Grand at Olympia London
Venue: Olympia Grand at Olympia London
Date: 10th – 12th May 2022
Time: 0900-1700
RDM Attendees: Clare Morrissey - RDM Commercial Lead
GEO Business
Geospatial Technology: shaping the future for everyone involved in gathering, storing, processing and delivery of geospatial information - https://www.geobusinessshow.com/
