A £6 million competition to find the next big innovation in train transport has been launched by rail minister Claire Perry.

The Train Operator Competition (TOC) is open to rail companies across the country, in the hope that there are ideas out there that can help them cope with ever-increasing levels of demand, as well as improving passenger experiences, and creating more environmentally friendly transport.

It is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and run by FutureRailway, a company set up by rail experts to support research and development in the industry.

Ms Perry said: “Innovation is vital to the rail industry as passenger numbers and customer expectations continue to rise. Harnessing the latest technology and being creative in customer service hold the key to staying competitive.”
She added that the aim is to boost collaboration within the industry, as well as get ready for the realities of rail travel in the future.