The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that a new UK government-backed online train ticket retailer will be created to simplify the process of buying tickets from different rail operators.

However, the service will only be available once Great Britain Railways (GBR) is established, which is not expected to be launched until the end of 2026 at the earliest.

The online retail service will bring together the individual train operators' ticketing websites and will "work alongside the thriving private sector retail market where all rail retailers can compete in an open and fair manner," the Department for Transport said in a notice. .

The DfT added that private ticket retailers, including companies such as Trainline, RailEurope and TrainPal, will "continue to play a key role in driving growth through innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail".

The Office of Rail and Highways, the rail regulator, had previously warned online train ticket sellers to ask them to know about the extra charges earlier. It highlighted concerns about "drip pricing", where consumers are shown the initial price before additional charges such as booking fees.

The DfT said that over time, plans will be drawn up on exactly how UK online retail services will work and how to ensure a fair and competitive market, confirming that it will work with industry and the private sector on the project.

The decision revives an initial proposal for a new website and app to sell train tickets, first announced in May 2021 by the Conservative government led by then transport secretary Grant Shapps .

However, months later the Department for Transport said it would "not be pursuing" plans to build new retailers, stressing the "vital role" of the private sector.

Shares of Trainline, a large online train ticket retailer with 18 million customers, fell nearly 7% on Wednesday morning. When Shapps first shared his proposal in 2021, the company's value also took a hit, plunging 23% in one day.

Trainline chief executive Jody Ford said the company welcomed the government's "clear commitment to a competitive retail market, based on a level playing field and recognizing the value and innovation delivered to rail users".

Shortly after coming to power last summer, the Labor government announced early steps to renationalize the railways in the King's Speech, including a Railways Bill that would establish the United Railways of Great Britain. The agency aims to simplify the rail system, meaning tracks and trains are managed by the same organization.

The Department for Transport said on Wednesday that the UK would "deliver on the government's commitment to simplifying the currently complex network of fares and tickets on the internet, including allowing passengers to buy tickets online and offline".