Arriva UK Trains, part of the major transport group Arriva, has signed a partnership agreement with business travel and events specialist, Capita Travel & Events.

CrossCountry Trains, Chiltern Railways and Grand Central form a significant part of the Arriva UK Train’s network group.

The new partnership takes a divisional approach which enables these train operating companies to enhance existing relationships with Capita Travel & Events.

The aim is to achieve long-term benefits for their mutual business travel customers. 

This is one of the first divisional style partnerships AUKT has signed since train operator and agency commercial terms were updated by the Association of Train Operation Companies in April.

Alongside the commercial terms, ATOC has encouraged closer working relationships for the benefit of business travellers and travel buyers.

Speaking about the partnership with Capita, Paul Bowden, head of sales channels and commercial projects at Chiltern Railways said: “We’re focused on meeting the needs of business travellers and providing increased choice through our diverse mix of train operating companies across the UK.

“Part of that is strengthening our partnership with Capita Travel & Events.

“They’re a recognised leader in rail travel and have many key clients traveling on our routes.

“We look forward to working with the Capita team to deliver the most relevant benefits to those travellers.”

Under the guidance of Arriva UK Trains, CrossCountry, Grand Central and Chiltern Railways have worked together to form a collective partnership agreement, with its team of business development managers having a remit across all AUKT TOCs.

Raj Sachdave, director of commercial partnerships at Capita said: “We’re excited at the fresh divisional approach this new ATUK partnership brings.

“Capita Travel and Events has been at the forefront of innovation with train operators for many years, with partnerships that deliver value and enhanced customer experiences.

“Working with three of Arriva’s large rail operators will help us to continue developing a personalised approach for our customers travelling on their routes.”
Arriva UK Trains’ network reaches far and wide and offers a range of services from rural commuter lines, to long distance and inter-urban journeys.