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Wednesday 29 Apr 2026

Railway sets course for AI on journey to Great British Railways

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Britain’s railway is set to further harness artificial intelligence to improve reliability, efficiency and passenger experience, as the sector launches its first-ever joint AI action plan.

More than 200 rail leaders and technology experts gathered at London’s Science Museum on Tuesday (28 April) to mark the milestone and align on a coordinated approach to AI adoption across the network.

From helping identify potential faults earlier, to improving passenger journey planning, supporting safety and helping staff respond more effectively to disruption, AI is expected to play an increasing role in how the railway operates day to day.

To guide implementation, the Artificial Intelligence in Rail Action Plan has been developed following extensive cross-sector collaboration led by GBRX — the strategic technology body for Britain’s railway — establishing a more joined-up way of working as the sector moves towards Great British Railways.

The plan focuses on overcoming long-standing barriers around data, governance and skills, moving the sector beyond isolated pilots to a coordinated, railway-wide approach enabled by rail reform.

The event also showcased work already underway across the industry through the newly established AI Incubator Accelerator (AIIA), including priority pathfinder projects and a recently launched AI and machine learning apprenticeship programme.

Together, these actions aim to embed AI in how the railway is planned, operated and maintained, delivering practical improvements for passengers and freight users.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “For more than two centuries, the rail industry has connected communities and driven innovation across Britain. Now, powerful new technology is redefining how we live, work and travel - and our railway must harness its potential.

 "That’s why the Government published the Transport AI Action Plan last year, to seize the benefits and manage any potential risks of AI.

"It's all part of our plan to modernise track and train under Great British Railways, adopting world-leading technology that increases resilience to improve passenger experience while supporting growth, jobs and homes."

Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director, GBRX, said: “AI presents a significant opportunity to improve how the railway works for people. In a system as complex and safety critical as ours, it requires deliberate action to create the conditions for adoption. This plan brings the sectors together to do exactly that, creating the capabilities and pathways that advance the role of AI in how the railway is planned, operated and experienced, delivering improvements for passengers and freight.”

Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s Chief Executive, said: “This action plan shows the rail industry at its best, coming together to deliver meaningful change as we move towards GBR. These technologies are already helping to improve performance and enhance the experience for passengers and freight users.

“The publication of this plan represents a defining moment for the sector, reinforcing that collaboration across the rail industry is essential to unlock the full benefits of AI, and positioning Britain’s railways at the forefront of responsible, coordinated adoption.”

Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DFTO, said: “Train operators and Network Rail are already using AI to retool the industry and drive improvements for passengers, bringing improved ways to manage infrastructure, services, grow revenue and improve reliability.

"The launch of a joint action plan provides industry with a roadmap on how AI can be used to make the railway more resilient and financially sustainable. This is vital if we are to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain.”