GBRX Introduces AI Strategy for Rail Industry

Published Date : 03/06/2025 

GBRX, the sector's strategic innovation body, has initiated the development of the railway's AI Opportunities Action Plan, aimed at safely and effectively adopting AI technologies to enhance operations, safety, and passenger experience. 

GBRX, the sector’s strategic innovation body, has begun work on the development of the railway’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. This initiative is designed to set out the actions for the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in a safe, effective, and scalable manner, ultimately improving how the rail system operates for people.

The plan will put into motion the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan by defining the strategic approach for the rail sector. It will focus on system enablers and targeted applications, identifying and implementing the necessary sector enablers for AI technologies. These enablers aim to improve operations, support safety, enable smarter infrastructure management, and enhance the passenger experience.

GBRX has formed a team of renowned AI experts for this project, led by Dr Catriona Campbell MBE, EY’s UK&I Head of Artificial Intelligence and a leader in applied AI strategy. This team is unique in that it is an all-female team of experts, a first for the sector and the field. Dr Campbell has a wealth of experience in implementing sector plans across health, financial services, defence, and public infrastructure.

“AI has the potential to transform how rail systems operate,” said Dr Catriona Campbell. “This is about applying technology in ways that are safe, structured, and scalable, so it makes a meaningful difference to operations, efficiency, and experience. GBRX is taking a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach to this challenge, and I’m pleased to be supporting it.”

The AI strategy will focus on the practical conditions required for the application and adoption of AI in real-world scenarios. It will also address the system enablers needed to support adoption, including data integration, assurance, people skills, and integration with railway operations.

“Advanced technologies like AI will improve performance, safety, and efficiency, but only if the right conditions exist to deploy them effectively,” said Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director of GBRX. “I’m also incredibly pleased that the work to adopt the most advanced technology of our time is being led by an all-female team of renowned AI experts. Given the demographics of our sector, this is inspiring and demonstrates the opportunities that exist in this sector. Our focus is on convening the sector to build those enabling conditions into the operating environment.”

The AI Opportunities Action Plan for Rail will be published later this year, marking a significant step forward in the integration of advanced technologies within the rail industry. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is GBRX's AI Opportunities Action Plan?

A: GBRX's AI Opportunities Action Plan is a strategic initiative aimed at safely and effectively adopting artificial intelligence technologies in the rail sector to improve operations, safety, and passenger experience.

Q: Who is leading the AI Opportunities Action Plan?

A: The plan is led by Dr Catriona Campbell MBE, EY’s UK&I Head of Artificial Intelligence, and an all-female team of AI experts.

Q: What are the main focuses of the AI strategy?

A: The AI strategy focuses on practical conditions for AI application and adoption, including data integration, assurance, people skills, and integration with railway operations.

Q: Why is an all-female team leading the AI Opportunities Action Plan?

A: The all-female team is a first for the sector and the field, demonstrating the opportunities and diversity in the rail industry and inspiring others to pursue advanced technology roles.

Q: When will the AI Opportunities Action Plan for Rail be published?

A: The AI Opportunities Action Plan for Rail will be published later this year. 

More Related Topics :