Driving Rail Innovation: How GBRX is Transforming the Future of Britain’s Railway

The future of Britain's railway is on the move, with innovation taking centre stage.

At the recent Rail Innovation Exhibition 2025, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy highlighted the critical role of innovation in driving rail reform. His speech emphasised the establishment of GBRX as the new strategic innovation body designed to tackle long-standing barriers to technology adoption across the railway network.

This marks a pivotal step forward for the industry. Historically, our railway system has been constrained by fragmentation and contractual complexities, slowing the adoption of transformative technologies. GBRX aims to change that by fostering collaboration, reducing inefficiencies, and accelerating the integration of new advancements that benefit passengers, freight operators, and the UK economy alike.

Operating under Shadow GBR, GBRX will deliver on the Secretary of State for Transport's fourth priority: to 'drive strategic innovation across track and train, forming links with world-leading innovators to improve how the railway works for people and support the UK as a technology and AI power.'

As Lord Hendy aptly stated, "GBRX is our solution to overcoming these barriers, helping to modernise the railway faster and embrace new technology more effectively." This mission is already in motion, with GBRX building strong connections between industry and academia to advance AI, data science, and analytics.

Collaboration is the linchpin of this transformation. Laura Shoaf, Chair of Shadow GBR, is leading efforts to unite publicly owned rail entities, fostering a culture of openness and collective progress. This collaborative approach is essential to dismantling the silos that have historically delayed progress.

Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director of GBRX, shared his vision for the organisation: "We are building a specialised capability for strategic innovation, creating relationships with world-leading innovators and collaborating across the sector to overcome barriers and maximise impact."

This is more than an operational shift; it is a cultural evolution for Britain's railway. By embracing technology, harnessing data-driven insights, and nurturing partnerships, GBRX is positioning the railway as a catalyst for growth, efficiency, and sustainability.

Innovation in rail is not just about faster trains or more reliable services; it's about future-proofing a vital national infrastructure. GBRX's work will enable our railways to better serve the public, support economic growth, and contribute to the UK's standing as a global technology leader.

The journey has begun. The tracks are laid. And GBRX is ready to lead the way into a more connected, innovative railway future.

At Migo, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. We believe that technology is the driving force behind a smarter, more efficient railway. Our team is committed to working alongside GBRX and industry partners to shape a railway network that is not just fit for today but ready for the future.

Tim Jones, CEO, Migo Consult