Public Transport: Artificial Intelligence

(asked on 1st September 2025) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with train operating companies and other public transport providers about the use of artificial intelligence for announcements, following the case of 'Iona' on ScotRail.


Answered by
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Portrait
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
This question was answered on 12th September 2025

Train Operating Companies are required and regulated by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as part of their licence conditions to ensure they provide appropriate and accurate information to enable railway passengers and prospective passengers to plan and make their journeys with confidence, including when there is disruption. Buses in England outside London are largely run on a commercial basis, and so any decisions over announcements are for bus operators to make, who are responsible for managing their fleet.

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