Rail Data Marketplace
The Rail Data Marketplace (RDM) has a long history which stems back to the Rail Sector Deal and the creation of the Rail Data Council. RDG, Network Rail, TOCs and Rail Supply Group all currently publish a variety of data and information which is valuable to our customers and stakeholders across the industry and beyond. The RDM aims to create an easy to use single access point for all rail data which will allow data aggregators and businesses to bring those datasets together and create innovative information services for our customers with the most up to date sources of data. In doing so, the RDM will help us to achieve a key commitment within the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.
We hope that the RDM will allow data consumers to easily understand how the data is structured and updated, be able to test outputs with their apps and services as well as the terms under which it may be used. Some of this data will be free to use, whilst there may be a charge for other datasets, so that we can set up a cost-neutral service within two years. In addition, we aim to build a vibrant community of users who can work collaboratively to improve customer experience, as well as efficiency of the industry as a whole. RDG and Network Rail have already committed to making data sources available through RDM, and we know that this is hugely attractive to a number of data consumers.
This programme has the backing both of the industry and DfT and after making significant progress in data transparency over recent years, we presenting a strong business case to DfT who have subsequently made £5m of grant funding available to make it a reality. The programme is now in a mobilisation phase with the aim of having a minimum viable product available for use in 2022.
We will keep you updated with progress in the coming months but for more information, please contact