We’re on the right track for change.

Transport has always been about far more than just getting from A to B as the social and economic benefits of 200 years of rail have proved. It is, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood, says “the scaffolding around our daily lives”. It supports growth, creates opportunity and brings communities together – all elements that inspire Worldline to continuously innovate.

Just as coal powered rail’s first steam engines in 1825, technology is the new energy we must embrace today or risk wasting the opportunities of tomorrow. Bravery will be crucial to embracing the unlimited potential of tech tools that will transform not just rail but a fully integrated broader transport ecosystem.

So the Worldline team was heartened to hear Mrs Greenwood’s keynote speech at the recent National Transport Awards, where we were Gold Sponsors. Her address, warmly received by decision-makers in rail, bus and local authorities, mirrored many of the ambitions at the heart of Worldline’s groundbreaking work. She hailed the transport industry as a great place to work – that’s why we’ve always invested heavily in talented young people and career changers with fresh ideas.

She lauded the power of innovation, AI and the data that goes with it, that’s why our systems are at the cutting edge of transforming the operational and retail sides of transport. She called for customers to be able to enjoy simple seamless journeys without needing a phone full of apps or purse full of tickets – again, our back-office systems simplify everything to make that possible. And she urged operators to work with the private sector and Great British Railways (GBR) to be the catalysts that will power growth in every community.

In a must watch podcast (LINK) our Chief Operating Officer James Bain reveals he’s “pinning his hopes” on GBR and the private sector to be able to make the essential changes without interference. It goes far beyond rail. Integration is key and it’s why we’ve recently appointed Kristoff van Leeuwen as our new Head of Public Sector Business Engagement UK&I.

The former Head of Rail Business Development at Connected Places Catapult – the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport and place leadership – will use his decade of experience in rail to grow our tech proposition. As well as looking into how integrated transport can work in the bus, tram and e-scooter sectors, he will have a sharp focus on highways, aviation and maritime for a fully holistic view of mobility.

He says: “It was incredibly energising to hear how closely aligned to our ambitions the government minister was. She talked about a bold plan for change and that’s essential if we’re to build a transport network fit for the future. Customers are clear about what they want. Journeys that are simple, seamless and reliable, no matter how many modes of travel they use. We want the same and the government does too.”

He adds: “For decades Worldline’s technology has underpinned some of the most advanced ticketing and payment solutions in rail. Now the focus must be on using that expertise to support buses and other local transport providers to make public transport the natural first choice, not the last resort.”

WATCH: James Bain on why we have to be brave, try things and learn to make rail rock and roll again.