First Rail RSPS/UK rail accredited WebTIS solution

First Rail Holdings (FRH) is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 500,000 passenger journeys daily across three Department for Transport contracted operations and two open access routes. Operating approximately 25% of the UK rail passenger market. Our train operating companies include Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, Hull Trains and Lumo. Our train businesses provide for commuter, leisure, business customers, regional, long distance and sleeper services.

As part of its strategy for ticket retail, using an RSPS accredited solution, for the past 9 years FRH have originally used a white label service then migrated to an API to develop native websites and apps for its train companies. This has enabled FRH to ensure an approach of continuous improvement to deliver a digital experience that customers want when purchasing train tickets.

In order to continue this web and app strategy, FRH will contract for an RSPS accredited WebTIS service with either a functionally full set of APIs or white label solution. This service would be for the customer retail website and app for Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Hull Trains and Lumo.

First Rail are seeking bidders to provide detailed proposals that:

• Are compliant with railway industry (RSPS),

payments (PCI-DSS), GDPR and national standards

• Have high functionality, innovative and transformational
• Have robust and proven technologies, built using modern

services, software and platforms

• Are flexible and scalable solution which can continue to

operate seamlessly during peaks in demand for the retail

services

• Have a full set of functionally rich API or white label services to

meet the requirements detailed in the ITT

• Provide examples of similar successful implementations to at

least this scale, within the UK rail sector

• Can demonstrate a high level quality of service and change

management delivery for similar services provided to other

customers

The Contract duration will be for 3 years with the option to extend for a further three extensions of 12 months. Current volumes are estimated to be approximately £250m in annual sales revenue across the in-scope train operators for these services. These volumes are forecast to grow following continued customer migration to digital ticketing.

FirstGroup is looking for a capable supply partner with an excellent track record in delivery of UK rail passenger ticketing. The supplier will need to demonstrate innovation, will share an element of the risk around delivery costs/timeframes and has strong processes in place to ensure value for money. Additional information: The deadline for EoI (expressions of Interest) and submitting PQQs is as follows:

EoI submission deadline = 25/01/24 (15:00)

PQQ submission deadline = 30/01/24 (15:00)