Rail distribution specialist Trainline has signed a long-term extension and expansion of its partnership with UK-based TMC Agiito.
The deal between Trainline Partner Solutions and Agiito, formerly known as Capita Travel and Events before last year's rebrand, will allow the TMC to offer customers “split ticket” rail bookings through Trainline’s Platform One portal for UK trips.
Both companies have also agreed to share insights under a strategic partnership which will include supporting the shift towards rail travel to boost sustainability.
Liz Emmott, global distribution director at Trainline Partner Solutions, said: “Agiito is a perfect fit for our ongoing strategy of promoting rail as the simple and sustainable choice for business travel within the UK.”
Josh Collier, head of proposition – rail & ground transportation, at Agiito, added: “We know our customers will value gaining access to Trainline’s thought leadership and industry-leading technology features in the future, such as their impressive SplitSave feature, which will ensure they have access to the best value fares available.”
Trainline has been boosted by a “strong industry recovery” for train travel across Europe, with sales up by 16 per cent for the four months from March to June 2022, compared with the same period in 2019.
“This performance reflects a faster than anticipated recovery in rail passenger volume across Europe - including a notable resurgence of inbound customers from the US - as well as the benefit of Trainline increasing its investment in its international business,” said the company in a trading update.
The surge in demand for rail travel this year has led Trainline to forecast that its net ticket sales will increase by between 18 and 27 per cent during its current financial year, compared with its pre-Covid figures.
Jody Ford, the CEO of Trainline, said that domestic rail travel was “rebounding at an impressive rate” across Europe.
“More and more people are recognising that travelling by train is better for the environment and the best way to travel cross-country and cross-border at speed,” added Ford.
“With an increasing number of train carriers offering high-speed services across the continent, the appetite for train travel is set to increase.”