Ticketing and Settlement Scheme

Last but probably the most important of the ATOC schemes, this scheme covers the allocation and settlement of revenue between TOCs and, accordingly, facilitates through-ticketing. Those selling rail tickets and rail products generally (e.g. like joint rail / event tickets) need the same information about price, availability, conditions and the like. The Rail Settlement Plan (“RSP”) team at ATOC manages all the above processes and thereby ensure that retailing by TOCs and others is effective and consistent, that the contract between the passenger and the carrier(s) is robust and that all the revenue generated ends up in the correct place. The systems underpinning RSP activities are exceptionally complex which is not surprising given the range of products on offer and the multitude of outlets and channels involved in selling those products. “Settlement” activities relate not only to the relationship between the TOCs themselves but also with third parties linked to the TOC businesses, such as Transport for London, Eurostar and travel agents (including web-based agents like the Trainline).