Galileo gets on track with internet rail bookings

An internet-based  “look, book and ticket” system for UK rail and Eurostar is to be launched by Galileo.

Galileo Rail is due to go live to the trade in the second quarter of 2006 following extensive research among agents to ensure its functionality reflects the intuitive way they make rail bookings, according to the company. 

Galileo Rail will replace the existing Elgar system which is due to be retired in 2007.

Agents able to check availability in real time via a display showing timetables and fares, view seat maps and access seat information.

Galileo Rail will be fully integrated with the Galileo GDS providing agents with a seamless booking facility and the ability to print tickets on site or remotely.  Agents will be able to print different types of tickets including the traditional ATB style, the credit card sized ticket favoured at London mainline and Underground stations and combined rail and Underground tickets.

The growing demand for tickets on departure is catered for with agents able to arrange for customers to collect tickets from FastTicket machines at major train stations.

The new system will also integrate with agents’ mid and back office systems to enable the production of management reports and invoices. 

Galileo UK & Ireland regional product manager Mark Haggan said: “We are sure that Galileo Rail will be a highly effective booking tool for agents as we have undertaken exhaustive research before beginning on its development. 

“We have also been delighted with the feedback from Guild of Travel Management Companies and the Association of Train Operating Companies members who have been impressed with the innovative and collaborative approach we are taking.

“Train travel is on the increase with one billion journeys made on the railways last year. Agencies are an important distribution channel for rail bookings and Galileo agents account for over 50% of agency sales. 

“Galileo’s aim is to provide agents with the ability to capitalise on this lucrative market with a future-proof booking function which is easy to use and provides vital management information.”

The technical design of Galileo Rail is being developed by technology company Shere, which has been supplying technology to the rail industry for more than 10 years. Shere controls two-thirds of the self-serve rail ticket machine market in the UK, with customers including GNER and Virgin Trains.

Among the other technology providers also involved in the development of Galileo Rail are the Dial Media Group, a web design and development company, which is producing the user interface and Carmen Systems which is providing the journey planning engine which will search through fares and journeys to provide details of the fastest and most suitable journeys.

Report by Phil Davies