In its biggest partnership to date, TheTrainline
- the UK`s leading rail will make its rail booking service available to BTI UK and its corporate clients through onsite (implant) facilities and at their business travel centres.
Caption: Richard Branson
Chairman - Virgin Atlantic

In addition, TheTrainline will set up and manage websites for BTI UK`s clients to enable self-booking of UK rail tickets; the fulfilment and administration will be carried out by BTI UK thereby utilising their specific expertise when dealing with corporate clients.

BTI UK will benefit from TheTrainline`s support and ticketing systems which provide detailed management information, much of it available in real time. The ability to manage sophisticated cost code allocations and, where applicable, incorporate nett fares and discounts at the time of booking, is a further advantage of the partnership.

It is planned that BTI UK will introduce new, dedicated ticket printers developed by TheTrainline which are designed to increase the efficiency and speed of rail ticket issuing. These printers work alongside the station “e-ticketing” solution and same day delivery service already offered by TheTrainline to get rail tickets into the business traveller`s hands before they start their journey. This avoids the frustrating and time-wasting queues often found at stations.

Mike Platt, Managing Director of BTI UK said, “This is a ground breaking initiative that will enhance and streamline the services we offer our numerous rail clients. It will give us another unique edge in a highly competitive market.”

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, a major shareholder in TheTrainline, commented, “The Virgin Group has always had a good working relationship with BTI UK and we look forward to working more closely together to further improve the service available to business travellers wishing to travel by train.”

Alan Tomlin, Chief Executive of TheTrainline added, “This move fits well with our strategy of developing a strong presence in the corporate market place. Working with BTI UK, and bringing together the skills we each have in our specific areas, will derive significant mutual benefits as well as potential cost-savings and technology benefits to the business travel community.”

Related stories on ITN:

(19/05/2003) GetThere and TheTrainline Deliver Online Booking Solution for Company Rail Travel

——-