What led you to launch this international API?
Daniel Beutler - We started out with a B-to-C platform, under the name Captain Train at the time. After a while, we realised that some accounts were associated with a hundred or so sub-accounts, with email addresses with identical extensions. We thought they were SMEs. So we launched Trainline for Business in September 2015, to meet the expectations of these customers. Now we're going one step further: we're making our data available to third parties to facilitate rail sector distribution to their customers.
In what way?
D. B. - Thanks to our new API, travel agencies and OTAs [Online Travel Agencies, editor's noteThey can display our inventory in the same way as they display flights or hotels. Our data will be integrated into their display type.
So everything is already up and running?
D. B. - We are launching the technical solution: the API is ready, and we have signed an agreement with two travel agencies, Havas and TravelPlanet. But there's still a lot of work to be done on the contracts with the carriers. These were defined for our own platform. However, we are now passing on the data to third parties, so we need to readjust some of the contracts. But the majority of companies are very happy with the approach. For some carriers, a few points still need to be redefined. There's also a technical aspect: the API has to be integrated, so I don't think this solution will be of direct interest to small agencies. We will be supporting our partners, especially as we have experience in this area.
Why launch this API now?
D. B. - It's a combination of different factors. We constantly have to prioritise and manage several projects at the same time. At the same time, we're also working on expanding the number of carriers in Eastern and Northern Europe. Our coverage now stands at around 80% in EuropeSo until we reach 100%, this will remain a priority. We are also adapting to demand. Partners such as Havas Voyages and Travel Planet have expressed an interest, which represents huge volumes. So we decided that this potential was worth investing in. This was already our approach when we launched Trainline for Business: we listen to our customers' needs, and adapt our offering accordingly.
Have you already set targets for the impact of this API?
D. B. - Our aim is to simplify rail booking. When it comes to planning and booking their trip, many people don't think about rail, or don't manage to book easily enough. They opt for air travel because they know exactly how it works, even if it's not faster or cheaper. We want to remedy this. As for the targets, we'll have to wait a few weeks to get a clearer picture. But we know that the potential is enormous.
What is the next stage in Trainline's development?
D. B. - We are still working on the geographical extension. We see no reason to limit ourselves to Europe. Why not do the same thing in Asia or North America? For the majority of travellers, there are no borders. We are in discussions with all the major carriers worldwide.
