Apple set out to revolutionize the travel industry - but where does 'rail' fit in?

• Apple has set out to revolutionize the travel industry. The new iTravel application which is being developed will not only allow consumers to purchase tickets but also to check-in online and use an electronic ticket at check-in. This new travel platform could have a huge affect on the way we view and purchase travel content. You will be able to access it wherever and whenever you want. Apple will possibly change the way we shop, by making travel content accessible on portable, stylish and easy-to-use devices. No longer are you restricted to booking your trip on your home computer or visiting a travel agent, you will be able to reserve flights, car rental, hotels etc wherever you happen to be…whilst waiting for the bus or even at the gym…. As well as developing cutting edge applications, the new iPad device may move Apple even closer to being one of the key players in the travel industry. Apple have already sold more than 2 million iPad's since it launched 2 months ago. One of its smart feature’s is “iBooks” which is similar to iTunes and could change the way we consume print media. You will be able to download books, magazines and brochures to your iPad and this could be how clients will browse through travel brochures in the future. Travel agents must be able to feed content through many different channels and adapt to ever changing technological advancements to stay ahead in the industry.

  But where does ‘Rail’ fit in and will railways manage to keep up with the latest technology trends?

  I think it is clear that railways are not number one priority for the iTravel application. All statements from Apple seem to suggest a strong focus on airlines and airline check-in for the moment but also the new geo-positioning software which will automatically provide an app for wherever the user is at that time (this seems to be targeted at booking leisure products, for example restaurants , theatre tickets and museums).

  As the users of Amadeus rail online suggest in our poll, railways will not benefit immediately from the iTravel application. Only when there is standardization across the industry and at least the development of a European-wide journey planner, will the railways be able to fully benefit from a travel platform such as Apple’s. This will require collaboration across the industry, between railways, GDS’s and travel agencies, to make this happen. Hopefully this will come sooner rather than later, so that the railways don’t miss another opportunity to boost sales and increase revenue.

  

  1 Jun 2010

  Posted by: Aisling McGhee