Project Summary

1Timetable is developing AI-enhanced train crew planning software to address the £170m annual cost of crew-related delays in UK rail. Current planning tools cannot handle the complexity required to balance cost, performance, and operational constraints, resulting in over-optimistic diagrams that fail under minor disruptions. Using genetic algorithms and machine learning, 1Timetable will create resilient crew plans that evaluate cost alongside operational performance likelihood. As first-to-market in this space, with strong industry relationships and backed by consortium partners including Network Rail, Greater Anglia and Transport for Wales, the solution targets 42 UK customers and a global market worth £13.84B. A modest 10% improvement could save £16.8m annually while supporting Great British Railways’ transformation objectives.

Project Achievements

1Timetable has established a strong foundation for AI-enhanced train crew planning innovation. The platform currently delivers leading-edge visualization capabilities enabling fast, intuitive interaction with rail data, complemented by data interrogation tools offering export and API integrations using standard industry formats. A collaboration interface has been successfully established, enabling Network Rail, DfT and operators to share data and facilitate true industry collaboration—recognized through the Modern Railways 2025 award for Cross Industry Collaboration. The platform has incorporated passenger loadings data and begun integrating country-wide events data via Data Thistle’s feed. Significant progress has been made on timetable risk and resilience assessment work with Transport for Wales. The team brings over 60 years of combined rail industry experience, including the previous technical director and principal developers of industry-leading software ATTUne, and has cultivated strong working relationships with the majority of British Train Operating Companies, Network Rail and the DfT.

Conclusions

Train crew unavailability represents a critical challenge, causing over 900 days of operational delay annually at an estimated cost of £170m, with some operators recording more than 14% of overall delays attributed to crew issues. Current planning tools are fundamentally limited by their inability to handle complex data requirements, offering only simplistically optimized solutions that prioritize cost reduction without measurable performance impact assessment. No AI-enhanced train crew planning software currently exists in the UK rail industry, presenting significant first-to-market advantages including price leadership, brand credibility, and intellectual property protection opportunities. The serviceable market encompasses 42 UK customers with a global potential of 1,300 customers worth £13.84B. With Great British Railways transformation creating pressure for reliable, punctual services under public accountability, the government will be receptive to innovative solutions. A modest 10% improvement in crew planning could deliver £16.8m annual savings, while enhanced reliability would increase rail usage, reduce subsidies, and deliver broader economic and environmental benefits.

Next Steps

Success would be made possible with a trial. Immediate priorities include obtaining access to relevant data sources to undertake comprehensive data discovery and researching appropriate AI and machine learning solutions for this specific application. Establishing a consortium with Network Rail, Department for Transport and Train Operating Companies will enable real-world trials and rapid validation using actual data and scenarios. Critical requirements include securing funding for AI system development and integration, accessing union staff agreements (more feasible through DfT-supported initiative), and covering server provision, trial and testing costs, plus legal expenses for intellectual property protection. The strategic roadmap targets Resilience delivery in Q3 2025, digitized Train Planning Rules in Q3/4 2025, and Timetable Editing capabilities by Q2/3 2026. As a start-up business, 1Timetable requires guidance navigating public sector procurement processes with their characteristically long approval timescales, while maintaining the agility and speed necessary to capitalize on first-to-market advantages before established competitors develop equivalent capabilities.