Member

Finally, on open data and data review, the Government strongly support a transparent approach to rail data. As the noble Lord, Lord Moylan, referred to in the case of TfL, open access to data can improve passenger information, leading to greater patronage, and enable businesses and innovators to develop new tools and services. I should add that the policy in TfL was mandated not by an Act of Parliament but by a desire to improve the business and build the passenger base. The Bill already allows GBR to disclose information obtained in carrying out its functions and activities; this supports open data while giving GBR the flexibility as the directing mind to decide what information should be shared. This largely replicates the current arrangements, whereby open railway data has been provided at no charge for over a decade without a legislative backing such as that proposed by this amendment, and I assure the Committee that this will continue.