“From a glance, you may think that booking travel is only about ensuring you have booked your flight, hotel or rail ticket.

“However, have you considered all the other great and useful ancillary travel items available when using the Gray Dawes Yourtrip Booking Tool or via our offline dedicated teams?

 “Of course, your trip may only consist of one or two of the essential travel options such as car parking or airport transfers, but to support your travel journey further and to save you additional searching and external effort you may want to consider booking some of the additional ancillary items available to you at the time of booking.”

“Through our unique and comprehensive booking tool YourTrip, you can book a complete trip from “door to door” making your travel experience fully encompassing and negating the need to book separate items independently. Equally in doing so, you can benefit from Gray Dawes managing the payment of these ancillary items for you and including them within your agreed invoicing process.”

BOOKING ANCILLARIES WITH YOURTRIP

CAR PARKING

If you need to leave your car for a prolonged period then let YourTrip find you the best option for parking. Simply enter the location that you’re flying from and let YourTrip find the spot that works best for you.

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1.

Creating a passenger-led railway service that increases engagement 

“Since the end of the pandemic a nervousness has set in for travellers about committing themselves to train journeys which may quickly spiral into hours of delay or slow running with only minimal facilities to support them.”

The establishment of a railway system that puts passengers first is essential for positive change, according to the BTA. With delays and cancellations becoming more commonplace amid a tired infrastructure, business travellers seem to have become increasingly hesitant to risk train travel, with many choosing to work from home and save on fares instead. 

The whitepaper extols the importance of casting a critical eye over any major reforms as part of the proposed changeover from Network Rail to Great British Railways, ensuring that practical, passenger-led improvements are not lost in the fanfare of the rebrand. The business travel community, as frequent travellers, can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the transition is both smooth and productive. Their voices, amplified by the BTA working closely with the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), can help maximise rail user engagement and real-time improvements that transcend the “dry legal language” of formal organisational changes proposed by the touted Rail Reform Bill. 

3.

Tired-looking carriages and train trash need to be addressed alongside improved passenger facilities

 “Train trash must be tackled, with carriage grot spots being eliminated, and an end is urgently needed to finding dirty tables when you get on a train.”

The issue of cleanliness and the disposal of rubbish is a hot topic across political and social spectrums, and rail providers do not escape the conversation. Busy carriages often fall victim to littering making journies unsightly and uncomfortable. 

But this neglect is not only isolated to dirty floors and tables. The BTA suggest that it is symptomatic of a wider problem surrounding facilities and passenger experience, with train companies desperately needing to overhaul their fleets to keep pace with modern standards. Improvements to Wi-Fi connectivity on inter-city trains seem to have eluded other routes across the country, and there is a distinct lack of charging and USB ports.  

The inconsistency of Wi-Fi connectivity on trains has been laid bare by the huge strides airlines have taken to improve connectivity while in the skies.  While airlines compete for passengers with offers of superior Wi-Fi technology, such messaging has yet to become significant in rail company marketing, a fact that the BTA believes needs to change if there is to be an uptick in quality. 

5.

Rail information and tickets need to be more transparent for “rail literate” travellers

“Business travellers are often very regular travellers and can be trusted with a vastly increased level of information about how the rail system is running at any one time.”

Data is a valuable commodity and rail companies tend to keep it close to their chest. It’s an approach which encourages inward-looking perspectives and decision-making to be locked behind boardroom doors, isolating the passengers to whom the discussions matter most. 

However, the BTA believes that travellers, specifically business travellers who are highly literate in train travel, should be trusted with an increased level of information about rail services and systems. After all, business travellers want the systems to work – it’s in their interests – and providing them with details on the location of trains, re-route options, and why decisions are being made about which services run day-to-day will only benefit the collective. 

With the help of a growing AI industry, railway companies would be wise to make their information systems more transparent, including integrating customer experience reports from third parties such as Travel Management Companies (TMCs). If they manage to do that, they can begin to build a seamless railway experience that business travellers and leisure passengers expect.

Gray Dawes Commentary

Ian Currington, Director of Account Management

Earlier this month. Ian attended a personal session with the Minister for Rail and HS2 – Huw Merriman, Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom at Westminster. Thanks to Clive Wratten, The BTA for seeking our expertise to support Business Travel and champion TMC’s.

Broadly, the BTA are campaigning for the voice of the business traveller to be heard by TOCs noting that return to business travel for rail is lagging well behind rail and air. The BTA would like B2B representation at decision making / consultancy level with the TOCS which the B2C channel has. 

For the business traveller we would like the rail industry to focus on the basics:

1. A reliable rail service with a focus on customer experience over on-train revenue collection.
2. Improved communication and support for travellers when things go wrong.
3. Simplified pricing with faster to market pricing initiatives, with products specifically for the business traveller (who usually get forgotten)

Fact of the day – the average corporate traveller pays 4x the ticket value of a leisure traveller!

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#1

Augmented Reality (AR) Aircraft Repair

The recent launch of Apple’s Apple Vision Pro glasses demonstrated the powerful potential of wearable augmented reality (AR) tech. Via heads-up displays and AI-powered queries, users of AR can seamlessly occupy the real and digital realms to reap the benefits of both. Though the technology is still in its infancy, its future as an aircraft maintenance tool is clear for all to see: a fully responsive piece of wearable kit that will help engineers diagnose problems and conduct repairs.

The potential integration of AI object recognition software could take things one step further. Engineers could pinpoint issues in real-time through their AR glasses and be informed of the exact part or tool needed to make a repair. This speeds up the maintenance process, meaning airlines can turn around planes much faster, thus improving flight schedule targets and reducing passenger delays. It also means fewer plane ‘going technical’ on the runway.

The possibilities are endless! 

#3

AI Hotel Check-In and Concierge

When one thinks of AI, it’s hard not to conjure up images of semi-sentient robots. The two ideas seemed intertwined, a semiotic relationship instilled in our cultural consciousness by hundreds of books and movies, even if the idea of a human-thinking machine might seem faintly ridiculous. But as AI continues to develop apace, so too does the possibility of robots with the power to manage the day-to-day workings of hotels.

AI-powered concierges could soon be deployed in hotels to check in guests and deliver room service orders, all while learning an individual’s habits and preferences to ensure their stay is as comfortable as possible. These robot assistants will also be able to give up-to-the-second travel information and answer queries on the fly.

#5

Smart Trips Optimised by AI Learning

What if AI could allow train, car, and flight service providers to unravel the tangle of a traveller’s journey and keep them moving along one, seamless thread. Every stage of a trip could be managed by a single AI assistant, whether through an integrated app or via a chatbot.

A traveler could book a train ticket on an app, the AI assistant will determine whether a rideshare might be necessary upon arrival, and then – depending on traffic conditions, the train’s expected arrival, and individual preferences – will select a car that is most likely to be there on time.

People will no longer need to research routes or transport delays manually; everything will be delivered to their pockets (or AR glasses) in real-time.

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Potential Issues with the ETIAS Pass

The Electronic European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an idea that is still in its infancy. While the system is being implemented, and individuals learn how to navigate it, business travellers and holidaymakers may encounter issues that could cause their trip to be delayed.

Border Issues

Even if a British traveller’s ETIAS application is approved, they could still encounter issues at the border. For example, border guards may ask the traveller questions about their travel plans or their criminal history. If the traveller gives the wrong answers or if the border guards have any concerns, they could refuse the traveller entry into the Schengen Zone.

In addition, border guards may use the ETIAS system to check for any security risks associated with the traveller. If the border guards find any security risks, there may be extra interviews that could delay your travel plans indefinitely.

In Conclusion

It is crucial that British travellers prepare for the arrival of the new ETIAS pass if they wish to visit the Schengen Zone. Here are the key points to remember:

• Start planning early and make sure you have all the required documents.
• Complete the application carefully and pay the application fee.
• Be prepared to answer questions at the border.
• Be patient and understanding as the ETIAS system is still in its early stages.

Find out how we can help you navigate the introduction of ETIAS with our ‘always on’, high touch service. 

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The Future of UK Rail

Last month, UK Rail minister Huw Merriman revealed that the UK Government were keen to encourage competition on cross-Channel routes from London to European destinations such as Brussels and Paris.

In a speech delivered to Parliament’s transport select committee, Mr Merriman said:

“The only way we’re actually going to bring prices down, get more people on, it’s getting more operators on there [the cross-Channel routes]. And I think that’s my ambition for it.”

Though previous attempts at introducing competition on the line have proven less than successful – efforts from both Deutsche Bahn in Germany and Renfe in Spain failing in the last decade and a half – Getlink, the owners of the Channel Tunnel, have suggested that they could run their own train fleet and remain competitive.

percentage of trips taken via rail compared to other transportation in England*

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1. Cycling

The ultimate person-powered vehicle since 1817, bicycles are an extremely green alternative to almost every other form of transportation. Although carbon is emitted during the manufacturing process of a commercial bicycle, riding one produces absolutely zero pollution, and the CO2 cost of their production is quickly offset.

Cycling to and from meetings, particularly in urban environments, is brilliantly cost-effective and healthy to boot. It’s a great option for business travellers who are looking for a truly carbon neutral experience. Plus, with over 1040 bicycle-sharing systems across the world*, there’s plenty of choice.

*According to a collection from Wikipedia

3. Car Sharing

Car sharing has been a staple of the workplace commute for decades. There’s nothing better than getting picked up by a colleague and sitting tight as they drive you to work, even if their music taste leaves a lot to be desired. 

Car sharing is a fantastic option for businesses that need to get multiple employees to a local meeting or conference while keeping their carbon emissions low. It’s super  straightforward – if one employee fills a standard 5-seater car with his or her colleagues, the business has immediately taken four other cars off the road. 

It might be simple, but the difference is huge. According to a 2019 study from BEIS, a car with one passenger accounts for 130g more CO2 emissions per kilometre than a car with four passengers.

5. Video Conferencing

Modal shifts are not always about changing the way you get from A to B. Sometimes they can be used to eliminate travel altogether. When arranging a meeting, think about whether it is essential it is carried out in person. Can you conduct your business over video conferencing software instead?

Obviously travelling for meetings is an important and often necessary part of business, and it is unlikely to ever go away, but sometimes it can make more sense to stay home and set up a conference call instead.

It’s pretty green too. According to a CO2 calculator from Utility Bidder, two people meeting on an HD quality Zoom call for an hour produces 0.23kg of CO2, equivalent to driving 1.2 miles in a petrol car.

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The Secretary of State is responsible for:

• overall responsibility for the policies of the Department for Transport
• cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse
• oversight of departmental COVID-19 responsibilities

Introduction

He was a supporter of Rishi Sunak’s during both his leadership bids, stating that the now Prime Minister: “represents a return to traditional Conservative values and has an exciting vision for the future of our country.”

In April 2022, Mr. Harper submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in the wake of the Partygate scandal. Mr. Harper said that Mr. Johnson was now “no longer worthy” of remaining Prime Minister.

During the pandemic, Mr Harper was a vocal opponent of lockdown restrictions as Chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Conservative MPs. He backed the Remain Campaign during the 2016 EU referendum.

Speaking on his new role, Mr. Harper said via Twitter: “Delighted to be appointed secretary of state for transport by prime minister Rishi Sunak. Transport affects us all, and I can’t wait to tackle the challenges we face so we can deliver for communities across our United Kingdom.”

Previous Government Experience

Mark Harper returns to a ministerial post following an absence of six years. His last role was as Chief Whip (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury) from May 2015 until July 2016.

He served as Minister for Disabled People from July 2014 until May 2015. By the time he left this role, Mr. Harper had brought about a substantial reduction in the size of the backlog of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.

He served as Minister for Immigration from September 2012 until February 2014. He resigned from the role as it was revealed his self-employed cleaner did not have permission to work in the UK. Over the summer of 2013, Harper trialled a campaign aimed at illegal immigrants that consisted, in part, of lorries with hoardings attached to their load areas driving around London displaying the sign “Here Illegally? Go Home or Risk Arrest” with more information in smaller print on how to contact the Home Office for advice. The scheme was seen as offensive by some and it divided opinion within the Coalition’s ministerial team.

He served as Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform from May 2010 until September 2012 and worked with Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 that offered the electorate a switch from ‘first-past-the-post’ to the Alternative Vote system for electing MPs. This would be rejected by voters in 2011 at a referendum.

In 2005, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence and in 2007 he served the Shadow Cabinet as Minister for Disabled People.

Views on Transport

This is Mr Harper’s first stint at the Department for Transport. His knowledge of the intricacies of transport is unknown, especially as there is a conspicuous absence of any current involvement in transport issues in his constituency.

As Transport Secretary he has responsibility for a general oversight of all areas, security of the sector, civil contingencies, supply chain and maritime.

It has been stated that his role as part of the Covid Recovery Group, will improve his perception of the value of a robust transport system.

In 2021, Mr Harper questioned the then Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, about whether whole sectors of the economy are now in a position to operate without significant taxpayers’ support. He stated that the travel and aviation sector is just one sector still affected by Government restrictions and employs people in the Forest of Dean and across the country. He stated that the sector must stand on “its own feet”.

Outside of Politics

Prior to entering the Commons, Mr Harper qualified as a chartered accountant with the professional services network, KPMG, in 1995. Until 2002 he worked for Intel Corporation in a variety of fields, including finance, business operations and marketing, before establishing his own chartered accountancy business in the Forest of Dean.

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