London, UK – 4th June 2025 – First Rail, one of the UK’s leading rail operators, has today agreed a strategic technology partnership with SilverRail, a global leader in rail e-commerce solutions. Under this new collaboration, SilverRail will provide its advanced e-commerce platform to power digital retailing for three of First Rail’s passenger train companies: Great Western Railway (GWR), Hull Trains, and Lumo.
This partnership marks a significant step in First Rail’s mission to enhance the customer experience by delivering smarter, faster, and more reliable digital journeys. SilverRail’s platform will enable seamless ticket retailing, flexible journey planning, and simplified transactions for millions of passengers across these major rail networks.
“SilverRail have a great pedigree within rail, and we are delighted to be working with their innovative products” said Ceri Harris, First Rail Head of Retail. “This partnership will help us improve the user experience to ensure digital journeys are intuitive, efficient, and customer focused.”
SilverRail’s scalable and cloud-based platform is designed to streamline the complexity of rail ticketing, integrating journey planning, booking, and after-sales support into a unified experience. Already trusted by rail operators and travel companies across the globe, SilverRail will now bring its expertise to more of the UK’s busiest and most customer-focused rail networks.
“We’re excited to work with First Rail and support their vision for a modern and digitally enabled railway,” said David Pitt, Vice President, UK Rail of SilverRail. “By bringing our retailing technology to these well renowned rail operators, we aim to improve not only how customers purchase tickets, but also how they experience the entire journey, supported by up to the minute journey information.”
The new e-commerce capabilities will be rolled out across GWR, Hull Trains, and Lumo later this year, delivering improvements in speed, usability, and reliability to support the evolving needs of today’s rail passengers.
About First Rail
First Rail is one of the UK’s most experienced rail operators, with many years of experience running long-distance, commuter, regional and sleeper rail services. We operate a fleet of c.3,800 locomotives and rail carriages through two DfT contracted train operating companies: WCP (incorporating Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development) and GWR, and two open access routes (Hull Trains and Lumo).
About SilverRail
SilverRail is a global leader in rail ticketing technology, providing innovative solutions that make rail travel seamless, efficient, and accessible. Our platform powers rail distribution for travel agencies, technology providers, and rail carriers, enabling smarter and more sustainable transportation choices. With operations spanning multiple markets, SilverRail is committed to transforming the future of rail travel through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.silverrailtech.com
