Clive Wratten
CEO, The Business Travel Association
Trains are the lifelines for business travel in the UK, connecting cities and boosting on-board productivity. An upgrade to the rail system is essential to the booming business landscape.
The Business Travel Association’s (BTA) recent white paper, ‘Getting Our Trains Back on Track! Putting Passengers First’ presents a compelling case for reimagining the role of trains in the modern business landscape.
Prioritise business travel, elevate comfort
The BTA proposes the establishment of a new Non-Executive Board tasked with spearheading reform initiatives. This board would oversee the creation of Task and Reform work groups focused on vital aspects such as wi-fi connectivity and enhancing the ‘work from train’ experience.
By setting new standards for comfort, catering and cleanliness, we can elevate the passenger experience to new heights. Furthermore, by prioritising business travel, we have the potential to unlock revenue growth that far surpasses any achievable gains from a modal shift in leisure travel.
Central to this endeavour is the empowerment of consumer champions, whose voices must be integral to railway service planning. Through regular reporting mechanisms rooted in specific, measurable, achievable and time-bound (called ‘SMART’) principles, we can ensure that the needs and preferences of passengers are not just heard but actively incorporated into the decision-making processes.
The integration of AI holds immense promise
in revolutionising the way passengers
interact with the rail network.
AI can enhance rail passenger experience
Today, we cannot ignore that the integration of AI holds immense promise in revolutionising the way passengers interact with the rail network. By leveraging AI-driven insights, we can provide passengers with maximum transparency and a wider range of options, empowering them to make informed choices at every step of their journey.
In addition to technological advancements, a cultural shift is essential to drive lasting change. Initiatives such as the ‘clean carriage challenge’ can mobilise train operating companies to compete for excellence in service quality, setting a new standard for the industry.
Set standards for continuous improvement
Finally, to benchmark our progress and inspire continuous improvement, we must compare and contrast the quality of our rail services with other global railways. By doing so, we adhere to continuous improvement and evolution on our railways.
The journey towards improved business travel requires bold vision and decisive action. By harnessing the power of technology, and placing passengers at the heart of our efforts, we can usher in a new era of innovation and progress on the rails. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a brighter and more efficient future for business travel in the UK.
