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Europe’s most
downloaded
rail travel app
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Empowering
greener travel
choices,
connecting
people and places
Strategic Report
02
Highlights
04
Chair’s statement
06
At a glance
08
Business model
10
CEO’s statement
12
International case studies
14
Regulatory overview
15
Our technology
21
Strategic priorities
22
Strategy in action
27
Key performance indicators
29
CFO’s financial highlights
32
Principal risks and
uncertainties
38
Viability statement
39
People, community and
planet
46
TCFD, SECR and SASB
disclosures
53
Stakeholder engagement
and Section 172(1) statement
Financial Statements
90
Independent auditors’ report
103 Consolidated income statement
103
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
104 Consolidated balance sheet
105
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
106
Consolidated statement of cash flows
107
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
142
Alternative performance measures
144 Parent Company balance sheet
145
Parent Company statement of changes in equity
146
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
Governance
58
Chair’s governance statement
59
Governance structure
61
Board of Directors
65
Report of the Nomination Committee
67
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
72
Directors’ remuneration report
85
Directors’ report
88
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
01
Contents
Strategic priorities
Growing
supply
Offering all the tickets,
fares and value-saving
features in the UK, while
aggregating new carriers
and routes as markets
liberalise across Europe.
Enhancing
the customer
experience
Enhancing the customer
experience through in-app
travel companion features
that help customers get
from A to B, including
AI-powered rail disruption
features.
Building
demand
Encouraging rail travel and
growing brand awareness,
while also leveraging
emerging AI distribution
channels.
Increasing
customer
lifetime value
Deepening customer
relationships, transaction
frequency and
monetisation.
Growing
Trainline Solutions
Supporting our travel
partners, leveraging the
strength of Platform One,
our single global platform.
Find out more on page 21
Find out more on page 29
1. Constant currency (“CCY”) year-on-year growth calculated for International Consumer and Trainline Solutions using prior period average €/£ exchange rate applied to current year reported numbers.
Basic EPS
+48%
Improved to 19.4p, from 13.1p in
FY2025
Operating profit
+43%
Increased to £122 million from
£86 million last year
Financial highlights
Adjusted EBITDA
+11%
Increased to £177 million
from £159 million last year
Adjusted Basic EPS
+23%
Improved to 23.6p, from 19.2p in
FY2025
Net ticket sales
1
+7%
Increased to £6.3 billion,
from £5.9 billion last year
Revenue
1
+2%
Increased to £453 million
from £442 million last year
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
02
Highlights
12
International case
studies
Trainline’s structural tailwinds across
both its domestic and foreign travel
markets.
39
People, community
and planet
Progress made in the year with our
people through diversity indicators
and Trainline’s cultural values, and
our efforts in the community and
environment.
10
CEO’s statement
Updates from our CEO, Jody Ford,
on our milestones in the year, and
progress made towards Trainline’s
strategic priorities.
29
CFO’s financial
highlights
Updates from our CFO, Peter
Wood, on the Group’s financial
performance in the financial year,
and the outlook for the coming year.
Strategic Report
02
Highlights
04
Chair’s statement
06
At a glance
08
Business model
10
CEO’s statement
12
International case studies
14
Regulatory overview
15
Our technology
21
Strategic priorities
22
Strategy in action
27
Key performance indicators
29
CFO’s financial highlights
32
Principal risks and
uncertainties
38
Viability statement
39
People, community and
planet
46
TCFD, SECR and SASB
disclosures
53
Stakeholder engagement and
Section 172(1) statement
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Strategic report
03
Positioned for growth
Strong strategic progress and robust operating performance.
Trainline delivered a year of continued strategic progress,
underpinned by resilient growth, strong cash generation
and further enhancement of its product and technology.
This reflects the team’s unwavering focus on the customer
and championing of rail as a greener way to travel. The
business remains well positioned against attractive long-
term structural tailwinds in both the UK and across Europe.
UK rail reform and GBR
The publication of the Great British Railways (GBR)
consultation output in November 2025 provided greater
clarity on the future structure of rail retailing. At a high
level, it reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to
a fair, open and competitive retail market, alongside
recognition of the important role independent retailers
play in driving innovation and improving customer
outcomes.
The proposed framework includes GBR assuming
industry governance responsibilities, a formal code of
practice, with independent oversight from the Office of
Rail and Road (ORR), and clear mechanisms for industry
consultation and challenge.
Maintaining an assertive stance with Government
The Board views the GBR consultation output as a
constructive step towards establishing appropriate
level playing field safeguards for rail retailing. However,
Trainline maintains its assertive stance with the
Government to ensure that they meet their commitments
to a fair, open and competitive retail market, particularly
around the development of its new code of practice.
In addition, Trainline is making progress in rectifying
examples where TOCs self-preference their own retail
channels. An important example is the denial of access to
Delay Repay for third-party retailers – a consistent priority
for our customers and a key focus of our engagement
with Government.
In March 2026, the Government announced that, once
GBR is established, customers will be able to access Delay
Repay compensation through the retailer from which they
purchased their ticket, including independent retailers.
Disciplined capital allocation
The Group continues to generate strong cash flows,
supported by its scalable, asset-light model, and we have
a clear and consistent capital allocation framework. In line
with this framework, we have continued to execute our
share buyback programme. As at 30 April 2026, we have
repurchased £94 million of shares under the current £150
million programme.
This brings total capital returned to shareholders to £294
million since September 2023, equivalent to around 23%
of issued share capital
1
.
The Board considers this a disciplined use of capital,
reflecting both strong cash generation and confidence in
the long-term value of the business.
The business remains
well positioned with
attractive long-term
structural tailwinds in
both the UK and across
Europe.”
Brian
McBride
Chair
1. Calculated by reference to the original number of shares in issue at the
start of Trainline’s first share buyback programme in September
2023
(481 million shares).
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
04
Chair’s statement
Leadership transition
I would like to thank Jody Ford for his outstanding leadership
of Trainline. Over his tenure, the Group has undergone a
period of exceptional growth, establishing itself as Europe’s
leading rail app, now serving 27 million customers
1
. The
business has doubled net ticket sales across both UK and
International Consumer segments, more than doubled
profits, and strengthened its position in key European
markets including France, Spain and Italy.
Jody has also built a high-quality leadership team and
a strong platform for continued growth. On behalf of
the Board, I
would like to thank him for his significant
contribution during this important phase in the Company’s
development. We have initiated a succession process and
will appoint a CEO with the experience and capabilities
to lead Trainline through its next phase. This will include
navigating the establishment of Great British Railways as
the strategic authority for UK rail, alongside the continued
liberalisation of European rail markets, where we see
significant long-term opportunity.
Looking ahead
The rail industry is entering a period of significant transition.
While some uncertainty remains, the direction of travel is
becoming clearer. The Board remains focused on ensuring
Trainline continues to deliver value for customers and
partners, engages constructively with Government and
regulators and invests to strengthen its competitive position.
I would like to thank our colleagues for their continued
commitment, and our shareholders for their ongoing support.
Brian McBride
Chair
5 May 2026
Empowering:
Making it easy for customers to
access a range of value-saving
products across carriers and
journey options – championing
a much greener way to travel
Enhancing:
Leveraging scale, data and
technology to offer a superior
customer experience
Connecting:
Offering carrier partners
distribution and online retail
services at a lower cost to serve
We are Europe’s most downloaded rail travel app. Through our customer-centric,
scalable platform, we are committed to driving responsible and sustainable
business growth, by:
1. Number of customers across the UK and Europe who
have transacted at least once over the last 12 months.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
05
Chair’s statement
continued
Docusign Envelope ID: 79F42E9C-1A6A-8793-8096-AFBD2D969FE2
10
Currencies and multiple
payment methods
including Apple Pay,
Google Pay, PayPal,
SOFORT and iDEAL
We enable millions of travellers to unlock value when
booking rail travel through our highly rated mobile App
and website, as well as through our partner channels.
We work with over 270 rail and coach companies across more than 40 countries throughout
the UK and Europe.
By bringing all of the major carriers and new entrants onto one platform, we provide customers
with a large array of train and coach options. Our smart technology and data-driven features
help our customers to stay one step ahead.
For our carrier and B2B
partners, Trainline Solutions offers access to a huge supply of rail carrier
inventory across the UK and continental Europe through our proprietary platform. With tested
and proven technology, we enable them to offer best-in-class customer experience at low cost.
We are Europe’s leading
independent rail platform
>270
rail and coach companies
>40
countries travelled
in and across by
Trainline customers
93%
of our UK transactions
are through our App
4.9/5
star app rating¹
1. iOS rating as at 30 April 2026.
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
At a glance
06
UK Consumer:
#1 Travel App in the UK
We are the #1 travel app in the UK
1
, with 18 million
total active customers
2
. Trainline continues to
invest in its customer proposition, strengthening
the loyalty and engagement of our customer base
and, in turn, deepening our competitive moat.
Trainline is well placed to scale, particularly in
Spain, France and Italy as carrier competition
becomes more widespread over the next few
years. The three markets today represent an
addressable market of around €17 billion,
expected to grow to €23 billion by 2030
3
.
Within Trainline Solutions, B2B distribution was
the fastest-growing sub-segment and represents
our primary growth opportunity. Within a €6 billion
European business travel market
3
, our Global
API enables multi-carrier rail distribution, driving
strong growth across partners and markets.
International Consumer:
#1 Rail Aggregator in Europe
Trainline Solutions:
#1 B2B Rail
Platform Across UK and Europe
Our three business units are leaders in their
respective markets and each has significant
headroom to scale.
Read more on page 23
Read more on page 10
Read more on page 26
3. OC&C 2024 analysis and internal estimates.
1. Trainline is the number one app in the UK versus
major travel peers as per daily average active user
data in
H2
FY2026, as sourced from Sensor Tower.
2. Number of customers across the United Kingdom who
have transacted at least once over the last 12 months.
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
07
At a glance
07
Leveraging our
advantages to further
strengthen our
competitive position.
We understand the travel needs and
patterns of our customers in over
40 countries through our B2C and
B2B channels with around 130
million visits to our platform
each month.
Scaling
Europe’s
#1 rail
platform
Platform One is our agile and
proprietary technology. It is the engine
behind our App and website, and it
also powers the booking and retailing
solutions for our B2B partners (rail
carriers and travel platforms).
Using our product and technology
expertise, plus the unique data insights
generated across our large customer
base, we are leveraging AI to further
enhance our customer proposition.
Expertise
Expertise and scale
to invest
Technology
Scalable tech platform
optimised for
rail travel
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Customers
We earn a commission and fees on B2C ticket sales. We also generate
revenue from advertising and ancillary services such as hotel booking,
travel insurance and multi-currency payment options.
B2B partners pay a commission and/or transaction fee on ticket sales,
as well as other related technology service fees.
We seek to expand the services we provide, meeting more of our
customers’ needs and increasing our monetisation.
Most of our customers transact through our
mobile App, benefitting from products and
features like Travel Forecast, AI Travel Assistant
and digital railcards, which in turn build loyalty
and engagement.
Brand
Strong brand
affinity and
trust
Supply
All tickets, fares 
and value-saving
features
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
08
Business model
4.9/5
star-rated app on iOS
A highly-rated user
experience for our
customers and
partners
For our B2B partners
We give travel sellers
access to our rail content
via our Global API.
• Access to our rail content
and local features
through one connection
• Allowing travel sellers to
integrate rail into their
offering, helping them
grow their business
For carrier partners
We provide end-to-end
online retailing solutions
for rail carriers.
• Fast and secure tech
platform for retailing and
ticketing at a lower cost
to serve
• Deep rail tech expertise:
customised, high-
converting and high-
quality solutions
• Broad range of products
and features to integrate
into their retail channels
Our people
Clear purpose at Trainline: make greener travel choices, connecting people and places.
Shareholders
Helping shareholders understand our business and strategy, while simultaneously
addressing their objectives and concerns.
Government and regulators
Encouraging modal shift while advising on fair, open and competitive rail markets.
Environment
Building motivation and pride to switch from driving and flying to rail, with route
emission information and brand campaigns to drive awareness for sustainability of rail.
Our wider stakeholders…
For travellers
Highly-rated customer experience for travellers globally.
• 4.9/5 star-rated app on iOS
1
Search and book train tickets for journeys in over 40 countries
• All ticket types, journey combinations and fares across major carriers
in one place
• Seamless, friction-free booking experience
• Multiple currencies and payment options
• Digital tickets, smart personalisation, real-time travel information and
many more features
Read more on page 44
1. iOS rating in UK app store as at 30 April 2026.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
09
Business model
continued
Innovating at pace
FY2026: A year of strong delivery from Europe’s #1 rail app.
This has been a strong year for Trainline, delivering record
net ticket sales and revenue alongside double-digit growth
in profitability, making good progress in strengthening our
competitive position, and leveraging AI to innovate at pace.
Robust financial performance
Group net ticket sales increased 7% year-on-year
1
to
£6.3 billion. Revenue grew 2%
1
to £453
million, reflecting
the impact of the previously announced UK commission
rate change. We delivered double-digit adjusted EBITDA
growth, underpinned by operating leverage, our cost
optimisation exercise last year, and ongoing cost discipline.
We maintained a disciplined approach to capital
allocation, supporting both strategic investment and
significant returns to shareholders through our enhanced
share buyback programme.
Strengthening our competitive position
UK Consumer
In UK Consumer, we focused on building loyalty and
deepening engagement across our customer base. We
launched AI-powered features under the banner ‘The
Way to Train’ to help customers navigate disruption on
the rail network. We grew our digital railcard user base
16% year-on-year to 2.7 million
2
, which is notable given
railcard users are typically amongst our most frequent
and loyal customers. Such initiatives are strengthening
customer loyalty and helping to mitigate industry
headwinds, including Transport for London’s (TFL)
expansion of contactless travel (Project Oval) and TOCs
self-preferencing their own retail channels.
Self-preferencing occurs where operators offer features
that we are prevented from offering, or market in ways
that we are not allowed to do. These examples highlight
areas where competition is not yet fair and open. Through
our sustained engagement we have made progress to
remove examples where we are discriminated against. The
Government has confirmed our access to all temporary
fares and granted our ability to advertise in stations and on
trains. Furthermore, in March 2026 they announced that,
once GBR is established, passengers will be able to claim
Delay Repay compensation from wherever they purchased
their ticket – including through Trainline. This was a
meaningful step forward, however it will take some time for
this change to come into effect. Similarly, we are still unable
to offer customers access to train operator loyalty schemes.
We continue to engage Government stakeholders and the
wider industry to remove these restrictions.
We are also increasing the opportunity to monetise our
18 million customer base in the UK through our range
of ancillary products and services. We have made these
services more prominent and visually engaging within the
App, helping drive strong double-digit growth in hotels
and insurance sales in the UK.
International Consumer
In International Consumer, we are actively focusing
marketing investment on European high-speed routes
with emerging carrier competition. We saw encouraging
progress on newly competitive routes, particularly in
South-East France where we grew 26% this year following
Trenitalia’s expansion of services.
We are strengthening our
competitive position and
leveraging AI to innovate
at pace.”
Jody
Ford
Chief Executive
Officer
1. Constant currency (“CCY”) year-on-year growth calculated for International Consumer and Trainline Solutions using prior period average €/£ exchange rate
applied to current year reported numbers.
2. Trainline’s digital railcard user base in the United Kingdom as at 3 January 2026.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
10
CEO’s statement
Our progress in France builds on our learnings in Spain.
Spain has been an ideal market to hone our aggregation
playbook and over the past few years we have scaled our
net ticket sales, giving us a considerable lead versus other
market aggregators. While we continue to see runway
for further growth in Spain, this year we evolved our
approach to strike more of a balance between growth and
profitability, including normalising our brand marketing
investment.
With the next wave of liberalisation in Europe set to
commence from late 2027 in Italy and from 2028 in
France, we are well positioned to scale our presence and
capture a growing share of this significant opportunity.
Foreign travel sales reaccelerated in the second half of
the year as we lapped the negative impact of changes to
Google’s search results page while also benefiting from
increasing generative AI
sales traffic.
Overall, our approach is driving improved profitability and
in FY2027 we expect the International Consumer business
to breakeven
1
.
Trainline Solutions
Trainline Solutions delivered another strong year,
driven by growth in business travel. B2B Distribution
net ticket sales were up 36
%, reflecting strengthening
business travel sales from a growing number of travel
management company clients (including Amex GBT,
Navan, Perk and Havas). This was particularly evident in
Europe, where International B2B sales through Trainline’s
Global API were up 58%.
Leveraging AI to innovate at pace
Our AI strategy focuses on three core areas: AI-enabled
products and features, extending distribution through
emerging AI channels, and AI-enabled acceleration.
AI-enabled products and features
We increasingly use AI to enhance our App user
experience, leveraging first-party data from our
18 million
UK customer base alongside a breadth of industry supply
data. Our new AI-powered features help customers
navigate disruption on the rail network. Travel Forecast
provides customers with personalised notifications if
their journey is likely to be disrupted. It features a map-
view interface, powered by our Signalbox technology, so
customers can see the location of their train in real-
time. AI Travel Assistant is our in-app conversational
support feature, which offers a live native chat function
to customers on the go, with real-time rail travel advice
and agentic tools like refund processing without human
intervention.
Extending distribution through emerging AI channels
Emerging AI channels represent a new way for Trainline to
engage with customers and drive incremental demand for
our products and services. We are the number one cited
rail app in Google Gemini across all our core markets, and
the number one in ChatGPT in all core markets except
France. However, sales traffic from generative engine
optimisation (GEO) remains low, representing less than
1% of International new customers.
We recently launched an integrated app within the
ChatGPT ecosystem. Through ChatGPT, users can now
seamlessly search for routes and compare options – all
within a conversational interface – before completing
their booking within Trainline.
AI-enabled acceleration
AI-enabled acceleration is becoming a core capability,
enabling faster execution, greater agility and more
scalable innovation across the Group. For example, in
Customer Service, we will trial Voice AI, while in software
development, our teams are using AI to support and
accelerate product development and are now shifting
their focus towards scaling AI agent capabilities.
Significant opportunity for growth
At Trainline, our purpose is centred around empowering
greener travel choices. Looking ahead, we see a clear
pathway for growth. Structural tailwinds, including
increasing rail liberalisation in Europe and growing
demand for more sustainable travel, remain firmly
in place. We are mindful of regulatory and legislative
developments in the UK – where we are engaging
with Government and regulators to deliver on their
commitments for a fair and open retail market. However,
we remain confident in our ability to execute against our
strategy and deliver long-term value for customers and
shareholders.
As
this will be my final Annual Report as
CEO, I would like
to thank the Board for the opportunity to lead Trainline
over the past six years.
I am proud of what the team has achieved and deeply
grateful to colleagues across the Group whose energy,
resilience and commitment have made this possible.
Together, we have built a stronger, more internationally
diversified business, with a clear platform for continued
growth.
As Trainline enters its next multi-year chapter, I believe
this is the right time to transition to new leadership.
I will work closely with the Board and the team to ensure
a smooth and orderly handover, and I look forward to
seeing the business continue to thrive in the years ahead.
Jody Ford
Chief Executive Officer
5 May 2026
1. International adjusted EBITDA including the internal transaction fee paid
to Trainline Solutions to access Platform One.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
11
CEO’s statement
continued
Docusign Envelope ID: 740A35FC-506D-87FE-82F2-B6E9C97FF9C1
Our core markets in Europe are Spain, France and Italy – markets that have
liberalised or are set to liberalise in the next couple of years. In aggregate, these
markets generate industry passenger revenues of around €17 billion per annum
1
.
Those revenues are expected to grow to €23 billion by 2030
1
, €12 billion of which
will come from routes with carrier competition.
Spain
Since 2021, Spain has increased from one high-speed carrier – the national incumbent
Renfe – to four different carrier brands competing across its five largest
high-speed routes (representing €1.5 billion in annual passenger revenues
1
)
Increased carrier competition is benefiting customers, who now enjoy significantly
more choice coupled with lower ticket prices
Italy
Trenitalia and NTV Italo already compete on the high-speed network, generating
€2.0 billion of annual passenger revenues
1
SNCF are set to launch operations in Italy from late 2027 – connecting Turin-Naples
and Turin-Venice with 13 daily round trips – becoming the third nationwide competitor
France
In FY2026, Trenitalia significantly expanded services across South-East France’s
c.€1 billion high-speed rail network
1
, increasing Paris–Lyon frequencies from five
to 14 daily return services and introducing four daily return services on Paris–Marseille
Several new entrant carrier brands are due to launch, with the first arriving in 2028:
Velvet launching on Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes and Angers to Paris from 2028
Le Train to launch services to Bordeaux, Rennes, Tours and Nantes
Illisto planning to launch on Lille, Strasbourg and Lyon to Paris
Carrier competition on the Channel Tunnel expected to arrive from 2029 on the
lucrative €1.7 billion route
1
. Trenitalia and Virgin Trains have both announced plans to
launch competitor services to Eurostar
1. OC&C 2024
analysis and internal estimates.
Carrier competition set to expand across
France and Italy from next year
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
International case studies
12
Foreign travel opportunity
An attractive market driving
International Consumer profitability
Alongside the aggregation opportunity in Europe,
foreign travel represents a large and attractive growth
opportunity. Foreign travel comprises customers
travelling in Europe from the
US, UK and the rest of the
world, alongside intra-EU cross-border travel.
The foreign travel market in Europe today is worth €
4
billion
1
and offers significant headroom for growth.
Foreign travel benefits from favourable economics, with
a less price-elastic customer base and a greater skew
towards long-distance travel. Foreign travel sales are
relatively higher-margin, generating double-digit revenue
take-rates, supported by higher attach rates for ancillary
products and carriers willing to pay higher commission
rates for inbound travellers.
International Consumer is well placed to win
Trainline is well positioned to capture the headroom
opportunity in foreign travel. We combine broad
inventory coverage (including recently adding rail supply
from Ireland and Poland), with a consistent, high-quality
user experience across multiple European markets. We
offer a broad range of features tailored to international
customers, including multi-language support, multi-
currency pricing and flexible payment options. Together
with our post-sales capabilities, this enables customers to
plan, book and manage their journeys seamlessly.
Trainline citing prominently within
generative AI search results
We see signals that emerging AI channels are playing an
increasing role in foreign travel, given its ability to inspire
travel plans while compressing journey research time. In
terms of generative engine optimisation (GEO) rankings,
Trainline is the early market leader for ticket retailing,
with GEO
channels contributing c
.3% of our new foreign
travel customers.
1. OC&C 2024
analysis and internal estimates.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
13
International case studies
continued
Regulatory and political environment
UK:
GBR Online Retail and future market design
Major focus points for investors are the
UK
Government’s intention to launch GBR
Online Retail – its
consolidated app and website – and the design of the future retail market.
In November
2025, the UK
Government published the output from its industry consultation on the
Railways Bill. This represented a further step towards the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR
) as
an arm’s-length body responsible for rail services and infrastructure.
The document included key points around rail retailing, providing more clarity around the Government’s
commitment to a fair, open and competitive future market design, most notably:
Separation of governance of third-party rail retailing from GBR’s own commercial retailing arm
A commitment to develop for the first time a ‘code of practice’, codifying how GBR should interact with
third-party retailers
A strengthened role for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), who will provide independent oversight and
binding enforcement of the code
The Railways Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and the
ORR
has begun developing GBR’s
code of practice in consultation with third-party retailers like Trainline. In our engagement with this
process, we are maintaining an assertive stance with the Government for it to deliver on its commitment
to an open, fair and competitive future retail market.
In late 2025, the UK
Government announced a preliminary market engagement exercise to deliver GBR
Online Retail. Trainline has engaged with this exercise thus far, however the full procurement process
is still yet to begin. The Government intends to award a procurement contract from January 2027
, and
thereafter hold two phases of work under the GBR Online Retail project:
Phase 1: build phase for GBR Online Retail (app and website)
Phase 2: TOC integration – over up to 12 months post-launch to integrate capabilities, across all
Department for Transport (DfT) publicly owned operators
Rectifying TOC self-preferencing
We are also actively challenging where operators self-preference their retail channels currently. Key
examples include
TOCs
deploying features like automated Delay Repay or branded loyalty schemes,
where third-party retailers like Trainline are effectively locked out. In March
2026, the UK
Government
announced that, for the first time, once GBR is established passengers will be able to claim Delay Repay
compensation from wherever they purchased their ticket. This will include independent retailers such as
Trainline. While this change may take a couple of years to come into effect, it represents a positive signal
from the UK
Government of their commitment to a fair and level rail retailing market.
Protecting and growing UK rail industry revenues
We are taking steps to prevent fraud and protect industry revenues.
Over the past year, we have blocked over £
40
million of fraudulent ticket
purchases, while our real-time machine learning has contributed towards
us preventing over £
20
million of fraudulent refunds. We are sharing our
data with
TOCs
through bespoke agreements, supporting their revenue
recovery and revenue protection resource deployment, and are trialling a
railcard validation service in partnership with Greater Anglia to prevent
fraudulent railcard use.
We continue to innovate to grow
UK
rail.
We are pleased with the
performance of our digital pay-as-you-go (DPAYG) trial on the East Midlands
Railway network, which is expected to end in the summer. Of the three trials
awarded by the DfT, the East Midlands trial is arguably the most complex as
it encompasses three different cities – Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.
Europe:
The European Commission is expected to publish a formal proposal as
part of its upcoming Mobility Package, aimed at making cross-border rail
travel simpler, more transparent and more passenger-friendly by improving
access to tickets. While details of the proposal are not yet available, it is
expected to address the role of distribution, including reducing operator
control over retail channels. This may include measures to ensure
incumbent operators provide access to timetables, fares and real-time data
on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND
) basis, remunerate
intermediaries appropriately, and potentially make third-party inventory
available through their own digital channels. Following publication, the
proposal will be subject to negotiation in the European Parliament and
Council, with implementation likely to be phased over several years.
In a similar vein, in April
2026 the French Senate adopted an amendment
to existing transport legislation that would introduce obligations on
SNCF
Connect to distribute competitor tickets, alongside broader requirements
to provide access to rail content on FRAND terms. The legislative process
remains at an early stage, with material uncertainty around both timing and
final scope.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
14
Regulatory overview
Our technology is optimised for rail travel
At Trainline, we pride ourselves on our proprietary, modern, scalable tech platform.
Deep inventory connections
• Rail and coach
• Pre and post-sales
• Real-time data
Add-on travel services: insurance, hotels etc.
Personalised data-driven products
>12 TB data processed per day
Scalable agentic AI system underpins our
AI Travel Assistant
>12
TBs of data processed daily
>400
searches per second
Reliable, scalable, secure
>700 microservices, increasing speed of
development, flexibility and scalability
• c.500 engineers, data and tech specialists
>300 releases per week
Customer-centric ecommerce
Simple new App homescreen: hides
industry complexity
10+ payment options, including Google Pay
and Apple Pay
>300
releases a week
>700
microservices
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
15
Our technology
Our teams comprise developers, designers,
infrastructure and data scientists, working
together to create a world-class experience
for our customers and carrier partners.
Distribution and
white label retail
services
Ecommerce
Ticketing and
settlement
Payments and
fraud prevention
Journey planner
and real-time
info
Customer
accounts
Platform One
Our single global tech platform provides a range of tools and services for
our
B2C
and
B2B
customers.
Security, payments, fulfilment,
fraud safeguards
PCI-DSS Level 1 (Merchant & Service Provider)
since 2013
Partnership with NCSC and NCA
Internal standards aligned with NIST framework
Business Continuity Planning (ISO 22301) certified
since 2022 and Information Security Management
(ISO 27001) certified since 2023
3DS version 2 implemented
Payment Services Directive II Secure Customer
Authentication fully live
Industry-leading fraud to sales ratio and industry-
leading payment acceptance rates
c.500
engineers, data and tech specialists
~3m
origin-destination pairs per month
Supply data (UK and EU)
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
16
Our technology
continued
Trainline’s AI strategy
At Trainline, we benefit from clear advantages when
it comes to deploying our AI strategy. These include
unparalleled first-party data from our scaled user base,
an agile and scalable single global tech platform, and a
tech team of over 500 people. In addition, we operate in
an online rail retailing market that is inherently complex,
providing barriers to disintermediation.
Our AI strategy focuses
on three core areas:
AI-powered products and
features:
leveraging AI and
proprietary data to enhance the
customer experience.
Extending distribution through
emerging AI channels:
meeting
customers where they are to drive
incremental demand.
AI-enabled acceleration:
enabling
faster execution, greater agility and
more scalable innovation across
the Group.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Our technology
continued
17
We increasingly use AI to enhance our App user experience, leveraging first-party data
from our
18
million UK
customer base alongside a breadth of industry supply data.
We have launched AI-powered features within the App to help customers navigate
disruption on the rail network. They include:
Travel Forecast:
provides personalised customer notifications if their train is likely
to be delayed or cancelled, alongside a live map-based interface powered by our
Signalbox technology that tracks trains in real time. The feature is powered by a
combination of large language models (
LLMs) and our proprietary algorithms trained
on complex rail datasets, and will continually improve as it learns from real-world data
across our platform. Since launch, Travel Forecast has delivered updates to over 3
million users.
AI Travel Assistant:
provides in-app conversational support to customers, with real-
time travel information that is personalised to their specific journey. It also allows
customers to complete actions such as refund requests without human intervention.
Our
AI Assistant has handled over two million conversations since launch, reducing
workloads of our customer service teams.
Delay Repay notifications:
alert customers when they are entitled to compensation
for a delayed train, calculating an estimate of the amount they are owed in real-time
and then redirecting them directly to the relevant train operator to complete their
claim. Since launch, we’ve redirected one million customers to complete their claim.
AI-powered products and features
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Our technology
continued
18
Extending distribution
through emerging
AI channels
Emerging AI channels represent a new way for
Trainline to engage with customers and to drive
incremental demand for our products and services.
We have made a strong start. We are the number one cited rail app in Google AI
Search (i.e. Google
AI Overviews, AI mode and Gemini) across all our core markets, as
well the number one in ChatGPT in all core markets except France. Our strong early
progress reflects our ongoing leadership in search engine optimisation (SEO), positive
sentiment within public forum sites and high brand awareness and brand trust scores.
In March
2026
, Trainline launched an integrated app within the ChatGPT ecosystem.
Through ChatGPT, users can now seamlessly search for routes and compare options –
all within a conversational interface – before completing their booking within Trainline.
This is an early deployment and we will continue to iterate the experience, with a focus
on conversion, customer engagement and long-term monetisation potential.
While we engage with the new AI channels, sales traffic from generative AI
remains
low, representing less than
1
% of International new customers (N.B
. data does not
capture new customer acquisition from Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode). However,
GEO is delivering c.3% of our new foreign travel customers in International, with
generative AI appearing to be more popular for journeys that customers are less
familiar with, given its ability to provide journey inspiration and compress research
time.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
19
Our technology
continued
AI-enabled acceleration
AI-enabled acceleration is becoming a core
capability. It is enabling faster execution,
greater agility and more scalable innovation
across the Group.
Software Development
Our Software Development teams are increasingly using AI
to code
and accelerate auxiliary tasks, such as updating documentation, test
generation and code review. The focus of teams is now shifting towards
agents, moving from experimentation phase to scaling AI
agent
capabilities.
Creative Marketing
Within Creative Marketing, AI agents are now generating around
20% of
in-house studio content, creating and applying imagery and copywriting
that are aligned with Trainline brand’s tone and voice. It has enabled
Trainline to scale the production of performance marketing ads to 19
times our previous output using traditional design methods.
Customer Service
In Customer Service, we will soon rollout Voice AI in partnership with
ElevenLabs to help manage enquiries more efficiently, with further
iterations planned through the year to progressively automate enquiry
handling. We have also introduced Zendesk, a new CRM system providing
AI Agent tools and insights, as well as AI
language translation.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
20
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Our technology
continued
20
Our strategic growth priorities
Positioning ourselves as the market aggregator for European rail, while in the UK further
deepening our relationship with our 18 million customer base.
Enhance customer
experience
Providing a smart, intuitive
and seamless experience for
our customers is at the heart
of our business. Through
customer insights and research,
personalisation, data and AI, we
offer features that enhance the
journeys of our customers at
every stage, from planning and
booking through to post-sales.
Build demand
Our key focus is to strengthen
demand by deploying our
marketing playbook.
We have built a strong brand,
particularly in the UK, and are
growing consumer awareness
in Europe. The headroom for
Trainline to grow across our core
markets remains significant.
We continue to deploy our
marketing playbook in order
to drive customer acquisition,
encouraging more customers to
choose more environmentally
sustainable modes of transport.
Increase customer lifetime
value
Increasing customer lifetime
value means deepening our
relationships with customers.
This includes customers using
Trainline frequently for more of
their travel needs.
While helping to drive net
ticket sales growth, increasing
customer lifetime value is
also improving our customer
economics, allowing us in turn to
invest more in product innovation
and customer acquisition.
Expand Trainline Solutions
Trainline Solutions is playing a
key role in providing reach and
scale to rail operators and for
travel sellers.
Within Trainline Solutions,
business travel is our largest
growth opportunity, both through
our branded channels and our
B2B Distribution business.
Grow supply
We are continually improving
and optimising our supply on our
mobile App and web interface,
offering customers access to
unrivalled value and the widest
choice. As European rail markets
liberalise, we integrate new
carrier inventory, providing one
convenient online experience for
customers.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
21
Strategic priorities
Grow supply
In the UK, we are the number one travel app.
We invest in our customer proposition to offer
all the carriers and fares in one place, as well
as a comprehensive range of value-saving
products and features, helping customers
unlock value when booking rail travel.
In Europe, we are deploying our aggregation
playbook as high-speed routes liberalise. In
doing so, we are creating the virtuous cycle of
the marketplace: as we add more inventory,
we become more attractive to passengers and
increasingly relevant for rail operators.
In FY2026, we added new supply from Trenitalia
ahead of the carrier significantly expanding its
services across South-East France’s c.€1 billion
high-speed rail network
1
. This included almost
tripling their operations between Paris and
Lyon to 14 services a day and launching
four daily return services between Paris and
Marseille. This is already having a notable
impact, with average fares between Paris and
Marseille down 27% since Trenitalia’s expansion.
Foreign travel customers also benefit from
broad inventory coverage. We recently added
rail supply from Ireland and Poland, making it
easier and more accessible for our foreign travel
customers to travel via train across Europe.
Strategy in action
1. OC&C 2024 analysis and internal estimates.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
22
Strategy in action
Enhance the
customer experience
Rail is a relatively high frequency mode of transport.
However, booking rail travel can be complicated and
journeys often face disruption. In this context, our App
is adept at meeting the needs of rail users. It delivers
clear visual search and journey planning, quick booking
flow with stored payment cards, in-app railcards,
tickets downloaded directly to the App, on-the-go travel
information and self-serve refunds and change of
journeys. It has therefore become central to our customer
experience and our core customer touchpoint, delivering
over 90% of customer transactions in the UK.
In FY2026, we enhanced our App with the launch of AI-
powered rail disruption features, under the marketing
banner ‘The Way to Train’. The new features provide end-
to-end support to help customers navigate disruptions
that might arise on their rail journey. They include:
• Travel Forecast, which provides customers with
personalised push notifications if their journey is likely
to be disrupted and a map-view interface so they can
see the location of their train in real-time.
• AI Travel Assistant, our in-app conversational support
feature, providing customers with rail information and
agentic refund tools while on the go.
Delay Repay notifications, which help customers claim
compensation in the event their train is delayed.
23
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Strategy in action
continued
Build demand
South-East France
Net Ticket Sales Growth
+26%
Net ticket sales growth on the
French South-East corridor
In Europe, we have resumed brand
marketing in South-East France given new
entrant carrier Trenitalia’s expansion in
the region, which includes running large
online video and out-of-home campaigns;
hosting music festivals; and sponsoring
Lyon-based football team, Olympique
Lyonnais. This has helped drive a 5-point
increase year-on-year in our brand
awareness to 50% across Paris, Lyon and
Marseille. This is supporting our growth in
the region, with net ticket sales up 26%.
Trainline has cultivated strong brand
affinity over many years, building
customer trust and loyalty. We are the
most trusted brand in UK rail retailing
today and our brand consideration is at
record levels, significantly ahead of all
other rail retailers. In FY2026, our brand
campaigns supported the rollout of ‘The
Way to Train’ disruption features.
South-East France
Brand Awareness
50%
3 month average prompted brand
awareness across Paris,
Lyon & Marseille
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Strategy in action
continued
24
In FY2026, we took steps to further build the trust and loyalty of our customers, while
increasing their engagement with us. We scaled our digital railcard user base 16%
year-on-year to 2.7 million through enhanced upsell and renewals, as well as targeted
partnerships. Given railcard users transact four times more often than non-users
1
, it
is contributing towards our upwards trajectory of transaction frequency in the UK. We
have driven particularly strong adoption among younger cohorts, with Trainline digital
railcards representing 45% of 16-30 year-old railcard users.
We are increasing engagement with our 18 million customer base in the UK through our
range of ancillary products and services. We have made these services more prominent
and visually engaging within the App, helping drive strong double-digit growth in hotels
and insurance sales in the UK. We continue to broaden our ancillary product range,
testing adjacent services such as car hire to see which resonates with our customers.
In addition, we are enhancing the way we advertise within the App, moving away from
ad slots and placements to integrated and contextual advertisements through the
customer journey. We believe this will provide customers with insights into products
and services they might value, while improving the delivery of the objectives of our
advertising partners.
1. Railcard users who have held a digital railcard for more than one year.
Increase customer
lifetime value
UK Total Active
Customers
18m
Number of Trainline customers
who have transacted in the last
12 months
Trainline Digital
Railcard Users
2.7m
Number of Trainline
digital railcard users
as at 3 January 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
25
Strategy in action
continued
Expand Trainline Solutions
Trainline Solutions
Trainline Solutions was our fastest-
growing business unit in FY2026, with
net ticket sales growing 14% to surpass
£1 billion. We primarily focus on growing
business travel, which now represents over
50% of its total sales, both through our
own branded channels as well as our B2B
Distribution business.
B2B Distribution
B2B Distribution helps travel management
companies (TMCs) retail train tickets to
their business travel customers. Primarily
a UK business, our Global API
offers
TMCs
the ability to retail rail across multiple
European geographies through one
simple, seamless connection – rather
than tackle the complexity of connecting
to multiple different carriers. In
FY2026,
we grew B2B distribution net ticket sales
36%, within which International B2B sales
grew 58
%. Our growth reflects many of the
world’s largest TMCs and travel platforms
now being connected to our Global API,
including Amex GBT, Navan, Perk, Havas.
Trainline Business
Trainline Business, our branded online
B2B sales channel, performed well
too. Having invested in an enhanced
experience for users and client companies
over the past few years, we grew active
business clients 47% year-on-year to over
35,000 in FY2026.
Carrier IT Solutions
Our Carrier IT Solutions business provides
white-label online retail solutions to rail
carriers.
This business is participating in digital
pay-as-you-go (DPAYG) trials in the East
Midlands. These trials represent a strategic
opportunity to demonstrate the benefits
of our DPAYG solution in a live
environment. Our in-app solution
leverages geo-location technology
developed through the Signalbox
acquisition and can offer capabilities
beyond traditional tap-in/tap-out systems
– including real-time pricing visibility and
integrated railcard functionality.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
26
Strategy in action
continued
FY2024
13.1
19.4
7.3
FY2026
FY2025
86
56
122
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
122
159
177
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
397
442
453
FY2026
FY2025
5,295
5,907
6,319
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
Net ticket sales
1
(£m)
Adjusted EBITDA
1
(£m)
Operating profit (£m)
Revenue
(£m)
Basic earnings
per share (p)
We use the
following
financial and
non-financial
KPIs to measure
the strategic
performance of
our business.
Description
Net ticket sales represent
the gross value of ticket
sales to customers, less the
value of refunds issued,
during the year. Net ticket
sales does not represent the
Group’s revenue.
Description
The Group generates the
majority of its revenue in
the form of commissions
earned from the rail
and coach industry on
ticket sales based on a
percentage of the value
of the transaction. The
Group also earns fees and
other ancillary revenues,
including insurance,
as well as revenue
from advertising.
Description
Adjusted EBITDA is
calculated as profit before
net financing income/
(expense), tax, depreciation
and amortisation,
exceptional items and share-
based payment charges.
Description
Operating profit is a profit
measure reflecting profit
or loss before net financing
income/expense and tax.
Description
Basic EPS is profit or loss
after tax for the year divided
by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares.
Performance
Net ticket sales was £6,319
million, an increase of
7% vs prior year, with UK
Consumer increasing by 6%,
International Consumer by
3%
3
and Trainline Solutions
by 14%
3
.
Performance
Revenue was £453 million,
an increase of 2% vs prior
year. This was supported
by continued growth of
ancillary revenues, offset
by a reduction in the
headline UK commission
rate as announced in 2022.
Performance
Adjusted EBITDA increased
to £177 million, an increase
of 11% vs prior year.
Performance
Operating profit improved
to £122 million, up 43% vs
prior year. This reflected
higher adjusted EBITDA,
lower share-based payments
charge, and lapping of one-
off costs to deliver the cost
optimisation exercise in the
prior year.
Performance
Basic earnings per share
was 19.4 pence, up from
13.1 pence in the prior year.
1. See page 142
for the definition of
this KPI.
2. See page 143
for the definition of
this KPI.
3. Constant currency (“CCY”) year-
on-year growth calculated for
International Consumer and
Trainline Solutions using prior
period average €/£ exchange
rate applied to current year
reported numbers.
Key performance indicators
FY2024
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
27
Key performance indicators
FY2024
67
72
66
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
2.1
12.3
2.3
19.2
2.7
23.6
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
92
90
93
FY2026
FY2025
69
62
70
FY2026
FY2025
23
FY2024
Adjusted basic
earnings per share
1
(p)
Trainline UK digital
railcard users (m)
App share of
transactions –
UK Consumer (%)
Adjusted free cash
flow
2
(£m)
App share of
transactions –
INT Consumer (%)
Description
Adjusted basic EPS is profit
or loss after tax for the year,
excluding exceptional items,
amortisation of acquired
intangibles and share-based
payment charges together
with the tax impact of
these items, divided by the
weighted average number
of ordinary shares.
Description
Adjusted free cash flow
is cash generated from
operating activities after
adding back cash exceptional
items and one-off cash items.
Cash flows in relation to
the purchase of property,
plant and equipment and
intangible assets, excluding
those acquired through
business combinations or
trade and asset purchases,
and cash flows in relation
to taxes, interest, lease
payments and treasury share
purchases are also deducted.
Description
Total number of Trainline
digital railcard users.
Description
Gross transactions through
the mobile App as a
percentage of total gross
transactions over the year
for UK Consumer.
Description
Gross transactions through
the mobile App as a
percentage of total gross
transactions over the year
for International Consumer.
Performance
Adjusted basic earnings
per share was 23.6 pence,
up from 19.2 pence in the
prior year.
Performance
Adjusted free cash flow was
£66 million, down from £72
million in the prior year.
Performance
Trainline increased digital
railcard users 16% year-
on-year through enhanced
upsell and renewals, as well
as targeted partnerships.
Performance
The percentage of UK
Consumer transactions that
went through the Trainline
mobile App increased
to 93%, from 92% in the
prior year.
Performance
The percentage of
International Consumer
transactions that went
through the Trainline mobile
App increased to 70%,
from 69% in the prior year.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
28
Key performance indicators
continued
We delivered robust
net ticket sales and
revenue, and double-
digit growth in
profitability.”
Pete Wood
Chief Financial
Officer
Net ticket sales
£6.3bn
FY2025: £5.9bn
Revenue
£453m
FY2025: £442m
Adjusted EBITDA
£177m
FY2025: £159m
Basic earnings per share
19.4p
FY2025: 13.1p
Group overview
Group net ticket sales increased to £6.3 billion, 7% higher
year-on-year
1
, within Trainline’s FY2026 guidance range
for growth of between 6% to 9%. The drivers of net ticket
sales growth for each business unit are provided below.
Increased net ticket sales helped Group revenue grow
2%
1
to £453 million, towards the upper end of Trainline’s
guidance range of 0 to 3
%. Gross profit grew
6% to
£374
million. This reflected step-reductions in the
UK of
central industry system costs (also announced as part of
the Memorandum of Understanding agreement in 2022)
and ticket fulfilment costs in the
UK
, as well as efficiency
savings in payment processing and customer service
across the Group.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to £177 million, outpacing
net ticket sales and revenue growth, reflecting the benefit
of Trainline’s operating leverage, our cost optimisation
exercise last year and our continued cost discipline.
UK Consumer
Net ticket sales were £4.1 billion, up 6% year-on-year,
driven by continued strength in leisure travel sales and
faster market growth in the commuter segment in H1.
As expected, Trainline’s growth slowed in the second half
given the impacts from Project Oval, TFL’s expansion of its
contactless payment network. Growth was also impacted
by UK TOCs self-preferencing of their own online retail
channels, including offering automated Delay Repay, a
feature third-party retailers are expressly prohibited from
providing to their customers.
Revenue decreased by 2% to £204 million. This was driven
primarily by the reduction in the headline commission
rate in the UK from April 2025 (from 5.0% to 4.5%, as
previously announced in 2022). Excluding the impact of
the commission rate cut, Trainline’s revenue in FY2026
would have grown 7%, outpacing net ticket sales growth
as the Company continues to scale its ancillary products
and features.
1. Constant currency year-on-year growth calculated for International
Consumer and Trainline Solutions using prior period average €/£
exchange rate applied to current year reported numbers.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
29
CFO’s financial highlights
Gross profit grew
4% to £154 million, outpacing revenue
growth due to reductions in central industry system costs
(as per our MOU
agreement) and the ticket fulfilment cost
rate payable to TOCs
, alongside cost of sale efficiency
savings in customer service and payment processing.
Adjusted EBITDA of £87 million was 2
% lower, reflecting
higher legal and public affairs costs relating to
GBR, as
well as other operating items not expected to recur.
International Consumer
Net ticket sales were £1.1 billion, up 3% (5% reported),
as Trainline focused marketing investment on European
high-speed routes with emerging carrier competition.
Net ticket sales grew 9% across South-East France and
Spain, our most liberalised European markets (c.22% of
International Consumer), including 26% growth on the
French South-East network following Trenitalia’s recent
expansion. This was offset by moderating growth in Spain,
reflecting a rebalancing of growth and profitability and
the impact of a series of tragic rail accidents. Elsewhere in
France and Italy (c.64% of International Consumer), sales
grew 2%, with markets in an incubation phase as we await
carrier competition. Sales declined 6% in Germany and
the rest of Europe (14% of International Consumer), as
we prioritise markets that are liberalising or expected to
liberalise over the medium term.
Foreign travel sales reaccelerated in H2, up 5% year-on-
year (-2% in H1), as the business lapped the negative
impact of changes to Google’s search results page and
benefited from increasing generative
AI
sales traffic.
Revenue was £60 million, 10% higher than prior year
(12
% on a reported basis). This reflected higher carrier
incentive payments and growing ancillary revenues,
benefiting from the recent rollout of a new trip insurance
product, as well as recovering foreign travel sales that
generate relatively higher levels of revenue than ticket
sales to domestic customers.
Gross profit of £
41 million was up 20%. The gross margin
improvement reflected the increase in carrier incentive
payments and ancillary sales, as well as efficiency savings
in customer service and payment processing. Adjusted
EBITDA loss was £(11) million versus £(20) million in the
prior year, reflecting a reduction in marketing spend
in Spain and in Italy, and we expect next year for it
to breakeven
1
. Excluding the internal transaction fee,
adjusted EBITDA was £11 million, up from £2 million in
the prior year.
Trainline Solutions
Net ticket sales grew 14% (15% on a reported basis) to
£1.1 billion. B2B Distribution was the fastest growing
sub-segment, up 36
%, reflecting strengthening business
travel sales from a growing number of travel management
company clients. This was particularly evident in Europe,
where International B2B sales through Trainline’s Global
API were up 58
%. Growth was partly offset by the loss of
Trainline’s white label contract in the UK with rail operator
Cross-Country.
FY2026
£m
FY2025
£m
Change from PY
% (reported basis)
Change from PY
% (constant currency)
Net ticket sales
UK Consumer
4,135
3,912
+6%
+6%
International Consumer
1,104
1,055
+5%
+3%
Trainline Solutions
1,081
941
+15%
+14%
Total Group
6,319
5,907
+7%
+7%
Revenue
UK Consumer
204
208
-2%
-2%
International Consumer
60
53
+12%
+10%
Trainline Solutions
189
181
+4%
+4%
Total Group
453
442
+2%
+2%
Gross profit
UK Consumer
154
147
+4%
International Consumer
41
34
+20%
Trainline Solutions
179
171
+5%
Total Group
374
352
+6%
Adjusted EBITDA
177
159
+11%
Operating profit
122
86
+43%
1. International Consumer adjusted EBITDA including the internal transaction fee paid to Trainline Solutions to access
Platform One.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
30
CFO’s financial highlights
continued
Revenue increased by 4% to £189 million. The internal
transaction fee paid by UK Consumer and International
Consumer represented c.79% of Trainline Solutions
revenue.
Gross profit was £
179 million, 5% higher, while adjusted
EBITDA was £101 million, 11
% higher, reflecting the benefit
of operating leverage and our cost optimisation exercise
last year.
Operating profit
The Group reported operating profit of £
122 million,
up £37 million or 43
%. Operating profit included:
• Depreciation and amortisation charges of £41 million,
£2 million lower compared to the prior year
• Share-based payment charges of £13 million, down £8
million vs. prior year due to the vesting of the Group’s
enhanced FY2023 Performance Share Plan in March
2025 and updated assumptions of inflight schemes
• No exceptional items were recognised in the year
(FY2025: £9 million, relating to one-off costs to deliver
the Group’s cost optimisation exercise)
Profit after tax
Profit after tax was £
80 million, up 37% year-on-year.
Profit after tax reflected operating profit of £
122 million,
net finance charges of £
8 million, and a tax charge of
£35
million. Net finance charges increased in the year,
primarily driven by higher borrowing levels though partly
offset by foreign exchange gains. The effective tax rate of
30% was above the UK corporation tax rate, primarily due
to a reduction in the deferred tax asset related to share-
based payments.
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic earnings per share was 19.4 pence vs 13.1 pence in
FY2025. Adjusted basic earnings per share was 23.6 pence
vs 19.2 pence in FY2025. Adjusted basic earnings per
share adjusts for exceptional one-off items in the period,
amortisation of acquired intangibles, and share-based
payment charges, together with the tax impact of these
items.
Balance sheet and cash flow
Net current liabilities decreased to £(86) million from
£(160) million in FY2025. This was predominantly driven
from the repayment of the convertible bond in January
2026. Non-current liabilities increased to £(261) million
compared to £(72) million in FY2025
, largely reflecting
drawings of the revolving credit facility to support the
Group’s share buyback programme and repayment of the
convertible bond, plus the addition of a new 10
-year office
lease. Total net assets at the end of FY2026 were £204
million, a decrease from £283 million in FY2025.
Net debt was £170 million at the end of February 2026, up
from £76 million in February 2025. The Group’s leverage
ratio was 1.0x adjusted EBITDA (February 2025: 0.5x). This
primarily reflected the Group repurchasing £
147 million of
its own shares over the last twelve months, partly offset
by cash flow generation.
Adjusted free cash flow was £
66 million, down £6 million
or 9
% year-on-year. Adjusted free cash flow constituted
adjusted EBITDA of £177
million, partly offset by adjusted
capital expenditure of £39
million, which reflected the
Group’s ongoing product and technology investment,
net working capital outflows of £
30 million and other
recurring cash costs of £42 million.
Statement of financial position
FY2026
£m
FY2025
£m
Change from PY
%
Non-current assets
551
515
+7%
Cash and cash equivalents
60
77
(22)%
Other current assets
89
68
+30%
Current liabilities
(235)
(305)
(23)%
Non-current liabilities
(261)
(72)
+261%
Net assets and total equity
204
283
(28)%
Outlook for FY2027
Looking forward, we see significant growth opportunities
for the business, including increasing the value we derive
from our 18 million customers in the UK, the upcoming
wave of carrier competition in Italy and France – with
aggregated routes across both countries expected to be
worth €10 billion by 2030 – and growing B2B rail travel
across the UK and Europe.
At the same time, we expect previously-flagged
headwinds to weigh on near-term growth. In the UK, they
include Project Oval (TFL’s expansion of its contactless rail
network), the Government’s
regulated fare freeze until
March 2027, and TOCs self-preferencing their own retail
channels. In Europe, they include a series of tragic rail
accidents in Spain. In addition, the effects of geopolitical
tensions in the Middle East on inbound air traffic into
Europe is also weighing on foreign travel sales.
In FY2027, we expect net ticket sales of £6.2 to £6.45
billion, revenue of £440 to £455 million, and adjusted
EBITDA as a percentage of net ticket sales at c.2.9%,
a 10 basis point increase on FY2026
reflecting our
expectation that International Consumer will break even
this year.
Pete Wood
Chief Financial Officer
5 May 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
31
CFO’s financial highlights
continued
Docusign Envelope ID: 740A35FC-506D-87FE-82F2-B6E9C97FF9C1
At Trainline, we adopt a risk management strategy to ensure we continue to
grow our business in a sustainable way, achieve our objectives and provide
value to our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Roles and responsibilities
The Trainline Board of Directors has ultimate
responsibility for the risk management programme
and internal controls. The Board is also responsible for
assessing events and circumstances which could threaten
Trainline’s current and/or future strategy, business
operations or business model, and for providing guidance
and advice to our Management Team on navigating risks.
The Board also sets the tone for risk management, the
risk culture, as well as the context for how decisions are
made when evaluating risks. The Board is supported by
the Group, through Trainline’s Management Team and
the Audit and Risk Committee to review, report on and
manage risks.
During our annual strategy planning process as well as
during our half-year and year-end reporting processes,
all key risks facing the business are formally reviewed and
assessed by the Board.
Oversight and governance
The oversight and governance of our risk management
practices is summarised in the infographic below.
The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing
the effectiveness of Trainline’s risk management practices
and internal controls and for reporting relevant matters
to the Board. The Committee ensures that Trainline’s risk
registers are comprehensive, monitored in a timely manner,
and risk summaries are proactively communicated back to
the Board.
A
flow of clear, timely and relevant communication exists
between the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board,
which continues from the Board to Trainline’s wider
business and vice versa.
Trainline’s Internal Risk Committee (IRC) serves as a forum
for senior risk owners within the business to discuss the
Group’s risk landscape and mitigating activities.
The IRC
also identifies and discusses potential emerging risks
facing the Group. The IRC reports regularly to the Audit
and Risk Committee and the Board.
A formal Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework
and a Risk Policy are in place to provide structure and
help guide the risk assessment process. As our risk
management is a continuous process, functional Risk
and Control Owners are responsible for proactively
raising and helping to assess risks. Risk and Control
Owners participate in periodic risk workshops
and, where required, may also be responsible for
implementing risk mitigation strategies.
Trainline
Board
Internal
Risk Committee
(IRC)
Risk and
Control Owners
Oversight and governance around risk management
Formal risk reviews
Review and calibration of principal risks
Review and assessment of emerging risks
Current and future risk mitigation actions and controls
Risk review and assessment as part of risk workshops
Continuously manage and update risk profiles
Identify, implement and monitor mitigating actions
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
32
Principal risks and uncertainties
Risk appetite
Risk appetite measures how much risk exposure the
organisation is willing to accept. We have defined risk
appetite levels in our ERM framework, which helps us
make more informed decisions by consistently targeting
priority areas across our risk landscape. As we operate in
a fast-paced and competitive technology environment,
we may take a ‘Hungry’ or ‘Open’ approach to explore and
develop new product innovations or to take advantage of
commercial opportunities.
We aim to maintain a ‘Minimalist’ and ‘Cautious’ approach
to risks related to the management of our key systems
and data. We take a risk ‘Averse’ approach to minimise
our exposure with regard to any risks related to our
regulatory and compliance requirements and risks that
may damage our reputation or brand.
Risk assurance
Our risk assurance is based on the ‘Three Lines of
Defence’ model. This governance model describes and
defines ownership and accountability of how various
business functions within Trainline work together to
proactively manage risks. Day-to-day responsibilities for
risk management lie with functional Risk and Control
Owners. The relevant management teams and risk
committees provide second line guidance, oversight,
and challenge within the risk management process.
Group Internal Audit delivers risk-based audits in the
third line to provide independent assurance on the
effectiveness of mitigating controls.
Though our risk management process is an ongoing
effort, our enterprise risks are formally assessed bi-
annually as part of dedicated risk workshops with Risk
and Control Owners. These workshops provide challenge
and validation as to the completeness and prioritisation
of functional risks and if these are assessed and scored
in line with our ERM framework.
A summarised view of risks is provided to the IRC, which is
chaired by the Group’s CFO and is composed of senior risk
owners with direct oversight of the Group’s eight Principal
Risks. As
part of our continued effort to improve our
risk disclosures, we have now split out our “Technology
Operations” and “Cybersecurity“ as standalone
Principal Risks.
The IRC meets on a bi-annual basis and is tasked to
review, calibrate and map out the Group’s risk landscape.
A formal update is then presented to the Board.
Emerging risks
Other than Trainline’s Principal Risks, the Board also
considers potential emerging risks and their impact on
our operations. As per our ERM
framework, we define
emerging risks as uncertainties that may materialise
over the next 12 to 18-month time horizon. Such risks are
inherently difficult to quantify, but as part of our horizon-
scanning activities, we ensure that these potential longer-
term uncertainties are proactively identified and discussed.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
33
Principal risks and uncertainties
continued
1. Regulatory and political environment
Status:
The UK Government (HMG) formally introduced the Railways Bill in November 2025 to create Great British Railways (GBR) with Royal Assent expected towards the end of 2026. Under
a proposed Code of Practice, the Government is committed to a fair, open and competitive regulatory framework with safeguards to “ensure fairness” and to “promote a thriving third-party
retail market” when a consolidated, fee-free GBR Online Retail enters in several years. Consumer protection, including fee transparency, is emerging as a strategic priority for regulators which
may increase scrutiny of our customer proposition.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Trainline’s operations could be affected by policy and
legislative changes enacted by governments and regulators.
Trainline maintains a positive, engaged and assertive stance with the UK Government (HMG) and carriers to deliver the fair and
open future framework. In addition, we challenge where Train Operating Companies (TOCs) self-preference their retail channels
today. The Corporate Affairs team closely monitors public policy developments and maintains a structured advocacy programme
to positively influence it. The recent announcement (March 2026) of plans to enable third-party retailers to access automatic Delay
Repay compensation features under GBR reflects this programme.
As part of our growing business in European markets, we also proactively engage with key stakeholders at European Union
institution and Member State levels to influence public policy development. For more information on our regulatory landscape, see
page 14.
This engagement in the UK and EU is coordinated within the overall communication and brand positioning to present a coherent
message to our audiences and industry stakeholders.
Link to strategy:
2. Macroeconomic and external market conditions
Status:
Though macroeconomic pressures across our principal markets in the UK and EU have continued to ease during the year, the recent flare-up in geopolitical tensions may contribute to
renewed inflationary pressures and could negatively impact consumer confidence and overall travel demand.
In the UK, the Government has introduced a rail fare freeze on regulated tickets
until March 2027 which may create a more price-constrained operating environment.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Adverse economic conditions may impact the spending
power of our customers and may therefore affect our
financial results.
Our Executive Team continues to closely monitor and assess the potential impact of geopolitical trends and macroeconomic
pressures on the business. Detailed and timely metrics are in place around customer and corporate travel spend and trends. We
monitor passenger numbers and sales trends as well as numerous economic and financial drivers.
The successful refinancing of our credit facilities enhances our financial flexibility, enabling us to better support future growth and
manage liquidity effectively. We continue to conduct detailed and careful analysis and modelling of cash balances and debt levels
to ensure Trainline’s liquidity, access to financial facilities and sustainable business operations all support our long-term growth.
Link to strategy:
Grow
supply
Enhancing the
customer experience
Build
demand
Increase customer
lifetime value
Expand Trainline
Solutions
Increase
No change
Decrease
Link to Strategic Priorities
Risk Change
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
34
Principal risks and uncertainties
continued
3. Technology operations
Status:
As an online retailing platform, our operations depend on the uptime and availability of our technology infrastructure, systems and key third-party relationships. Any significant outage
in our services may materially impact our operations, reputation and financial performance.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Reliance on complex technology systems and third-party
infrastructure exposes the business to risks of potential
system outages, performance degradation, and service
disruptions. Significant disruptions to our online platform,
as well as outages at our key third-party technology service
providers, could significantly impact our financial results
and reputation.
As a ‘cloud-first’ platform, we continuously review our business and technology resilience. We have been continuing the migration
of our legacy services to ‘cloud-native’ equivalents to reduce our technology debt. We introduced chaos testing practices to
improve overall platform resilience and have strengthened our ability to maintain service reliability.
Our Reliability Operations teams have a formal Major Incident Management framework in place, including an ‘on-call’ rota to
provide continuous monitoring coverage over our key systems, infrastructure, and mission-critical processes. We have 24/7
monitoring of our systems, services and infrastructure. In FY2026, we successfully re-certified for the ISO 22301 certification for
the business. For more information on our technology, see pages 15 and 16.
Our Engineering teams manage and deploy changes based on formally documented standards and guidelines to ensure changes
to our live environment are formally planned, tested and authorised before deployment. We are actively exploring use-case
scenarios for the deployment of AI tools to assist with our engineering efforts. For more information on AI, see page 17.
Link to strategy:
4. Cybersecurity
Status:
Potential security events and data breaches may result in disruptions to our systems and services and could significantly impact our financial results and reputation.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve in scale and
sophistication, increasing the risk of unauthorised access,
data breaches, and disruption to our critical systems
and services. A successful cyber incident may result in
financial loss, regulatory penalties, operational disruption,
and reputational damage.
The Group’s Security and Privacy Steering Committee regularly reviews and monitors existing and emerging security threats
as well as our current mitigation strategies. We run targeted threat and vulnerability assessments and scenario tests and crisis
simulation workshops for our senior executive and leadership teams. We conduct annual ‘Red Team’ exercises – simulated
cyberattacks carried out by internal or external experts to identify vulnerabilities and test our defenses – to evaluate the strength
and integrity of our security perimeter.
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) periodically reports to the Audit and Risk Committee on our security controls, and any
relevant analysis of internal and external security threats and trends.
We have expanded the information security team by bringing in additional experienced security and governance professionals to
help with longer-term strategic security projects.
Trainline is certified PCI Level 1 compliant. In FY2026, we successfully re-certified for the ISO 27001 certification for the business.
For more information on our technology, see pages 15 and 16.
Link to strategy:
Grow
supply
Enhancing the
customer experience
Build
demand
Increase customer
lifetime value
Expand Trainline
Solutions
Increase
No change
Decrease
Link to Strategic Priorities
Risk Change
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
35
Principal risks and uncertainties
continued
Grow
supply
Enhancing the
customer experience
Build
demand
Increase customer
lifetime value
Expand Trainline
Solutions
Increase
No change
Decrease
Link to Strategic Priorities
Risk Change
5. Competitive landscape
Status:
We operate in a competitive landscape that will continue to evolve. Key developments include: HMG’s intended launch of GBR Online Retail and its subsequent consolidation of TOC
retail channels; the emergence of AI channels that offer new ways to attract customers and generate demand; the rollout of zonal pay-as-you-go (PAYG) ticketing in certain UK cities and
regions.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Failure of our customer proposition to meet evolving
customer needs, or to remain competitive in a changing
market, could adversely impact our financial performance.
We monitor and respond to changes in the competitive landscape through our operations, strategic planning, and product
roadmap.
We closely monitor the development of GBR Online Retail, including its expected capabilities and customer proposition once
launched (e.g. as with existing TOC retailing, GBR Online Retail is not expected to charge a booking fee). We also assess the
potential for anti-competitive behaviour and continue to engage with Government and regulators to deliver on their commitments
for a fair and open retail market.
We continue to invest in our customer proposition, including AI-driven products and features, leveraging our capabilities and
proprietary data. We are expanding our revenue streams through ancillary products and services, such as hotel bookings and
travel insurance. We have responded to the emergence of AI distribution channels in recent years (including ChatGPT, Google AI
search, Claude) by evolving our organic search capabilities, with a strong focus on AI citations. We have developed early market
leadership in AI citations and in March 2026 launched an integrated Trainline app within the ChatGPT ecosystem.
The expansion of PAYG ticketing, including through Project Oval, places up to £150 million of net ticket sales at risk, reflecting
our current inability to fulfil contactless journeys on the TfL network. Other regions are exploring similar models, and the UK
Government is currently conducting digital PAYG trials. Trainline is participating in these trials, having developed its own digital
PAYG solution, and is engaging with the Government’s Code of Practice to support fair access to products and features under the
future GBR retail framework. We continue to monitor the adoption of PAYG ticketing across our key markets.
Link to strategy:
6. People
Status:
As a fast-growing technology business, attracting and retaining the best technology talent is a critical element of our strategy. The recent, lower employee engagement scores indicate
that certain areas of employee experience require improvement. We have dedicated action plans in place around these improvement areas.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Inability to attract and retain critical engineering skills
and capabilities could hinder our ability to deliver on our
strategic objectives.
We continue to run periodic employee engagement surveys. Survey results as well as the corresponding action plans are presented
as part of our Company All-Hands sessions for full visibility and transparency.
There has been a decrease in Company engagement
scores throughout FY2026 driven in part by the uncertainty around GBR and the share price performance.
The recent announcement around the departure of the CEO and the succession planning may introduce organisational and
retention risks, especially at the senior leadership levels.
For more information on our people, see pages 39 to 42.
Link to strategy:
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
36
Principal risks and uncertainties
continued
7. Compliance
Status:
The Group has maintained its focus on compliance and has continued to recruit, train and deploy legal professionals in our key markets in the UK and the EU. We have continued to
proactively provide relevant compliance training and refreshers to Trainliners.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
Should Trainline not comply with licences, legislation,
regulatory requirements or other such frameworks,
this could affect the Group’s ability to conduct business
operations and its reputation with customers.
We take a comprehensive and robust approach to compliance. We have dedicated staff in place, who help to track and monitor
legal, contractual, privacy and regulatory compliance requirements in each market where we operate. We have a robust
compliance training programme in place to propagate regulatory and compliance messaging and updates to all Trainliners.
As AI capabilities expand within our product, we continue to assess and monitor our obligations under the evolving legislative and
compliance agenda.
We operate a whistleblowing policy, whereby any Trainline employee can quickly and confidentially raise concerns and feedback
through an anonymous third-party hotline/email. All reported cases are formally investigated and reported on to Trainline’s Audit
and Risk Committee.
Trainline is committed to being a responsible taxpayer acting in a transparent manner. Our detailed tax strategy includes further
transparency on our approach to risk management, compliance and governance, as approved by the Board.
Link to strategy:
8. Supply and partnerships
Status:
In the EU, regulatory rulings to enforce the parity and uniformity of access to carrier data have reduced risk exposure in those markets. In the UK, the future launch of GBR Online Retail
could impact our IT Solutions business within Trainline Solutions.
Description of risk
How we monitor and mitigate the risk
A unilateral termination or amendment by a rail or coach
carrier of the contractual and licence terms, including a
significant reduction in our commissions or the availability
of timely carrier data, could have a material impact on our
operations and financial results.
We have a dedicated and highly experienced carrier relationship team in the UK and EU that closely engage with rail and coach
operating partners.
In cooperation with our Regulatory teams, we work closely with key governmental, trade and rail industry bodies across our key
markets to help facilitate our ability to retail on behalf of carriers with commercially and operationally viable terms. For more
information on our regulatory landscape, see page 14. As highlighted under the “Regulatory and political environment” section, we
have engaged with the recent market engagement exercise to potentially build the GBR platform.
In the EU, we continue to engage with other independent rail distributors to advocate for fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory
commercial terms in carrier relationships across core markets.
Link to strategy:
Grow
supply
Enhancing the
customer experience
Build
demand
Increase customer
lifetime value
Expand Trainline
Solutions
Increase
No change
Decrease
Link to Strategic Priorities
Risk Change
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
37
Principal risks and uncertainties
continued
Assessing the Group’s longer-term prospects and viability.
The Directors have assessed the long-term viability of the
Group and its ability to meet its liabilities over a three-
year period. As part of their considerations the Directors
carried out a robust assessment of the Group’s principal
and emerging risks as set out on pages
32
to
37
and the
potential impact of any of these risks on the long-term
viability of the Group.
Forecasting period
Three years was considered an appropriate assessment
period. The three-year period is aligned to the Group’s
annual strategic planning process. The base case
reflects the Group’s three-year plan, which includes the
current best estimate of outlook. The key assumptions
in the three-year plan which could be impacted by the
principal risks are: the rate of net ticket sales growth
and the associated revenue growth; and the level
of cost required, including capex, to meet sales and
revenue forecasts.
How viability was considered
To assess the viability of the business, sensitivity
scenarios were modelled from the base case taking into
consideration the Group’s principal risks if they were to
occur. This involved flexing some of the key assumptions
by downside changes, incorporating severe but plausible
downside scenarios and quantifying the potential impact
of one or more of the principal risks crystallising over
the assessment period. None of the scenarios modelled
include any mitigating actions. The viability assessment
considered whether the covenant requirements, as
disclosed in Note 14 to the Financial Statements, would
be met in all applicable periods, and that sufficient levels
of liquidity under each scenario are in place.
Conclusion
The Group is forecast to meet covenant requirements in all periods in which they are applicable under the base case
and under all scenarios considered. The Group has sufficient cash reserves to draw down on as needed, as well as
the RCF which has headroom to draw down further as at the date of signing of this Annual Report and Financial
Statements. The initial maturity date of the RCF is 25 July 2028, with the option to extend for a further two, one-year
periods to 25 July
2030. The Board confirms that it has a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next three years.
Sensitivities applied
The sensitivity scenarios applied were as follows:
Scenario 1
Link to principal risks
Market-based sensitivity, based on a reduction
of 15% of forecast EBITDA due to decreased sales
arising from the impact of a number of factors
such as the impact of increased competition
and decreased consumer spending power
All
Scenario 2
Link to principal risks
20% additional marketing spend with
no upside in sales/revenue
Macroeconomic and external market conditions;
Competitive landscape
Scenario 3
Link to principal risks
£10 million additional capex in each year
with no upside in sales/revenue
Technology operations; People; Competitive landscape
Scenario 4
Link to principal risks
Data breach in FY2028, resulting in
reduced revenue, compliance fines and
ongoing increased IT security costs
Cybersecurity; Compliance; Regulatory and political
environment
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
38
Viability statement
Our approach to people, community and planet reflects
who we are and what we aspire to be. We believe long-
term success is best supported by investing in our people,
being a positive role model in the communities around us,
and taking a responsible approach to the planet.
We invest in our people by working to create an inclusive
environment where they can grow and do their best work.
We do this through development programmes, learning
opportunities, and initiatives that strengthen connections
and create a sense of belonging that help make Trainline
a place where people can thrive.
We support our communities through volunteering,
charitable donations and long-term corporate
partnerships, with our people regularly giving their time
and energy to causes that matter.
And because greener travel is central to our purpose, we
work to empower customers to make more sustainable
travel choices. Alongside this, we continue to look for
ways to improve our own sustainable practices and
reduce our environmental footprint over time.
People, Community and Planet
Our Values
Think Big
We’re building the future
of rail
Own It
We focus on every
customer, partner and
journey
Travel Together
We are one team
Do Good
We make a positive impact
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
People, community and planet
39
Learning and growth
We are committed to helping our people build meaningful
careers. Through a broad range of development
opportunities, we support growth at every stage – with
particular focus on strengthening leadership capability.
This year, we launched our
L3
Leadership Programme
for our ‘heads of’ leaders, delivered through a series of
masterclasses designed to equip leaders with practical
tools and support to lead their teams. We also introduced
Leading with Intent, two bespoke leadership development
programmes designed to stretch and support some of
our strongest leaders, enabling them to Think Big and
amplify their impact even further.
To support our managers, we launched a comprehensive
Manager Toolkit, combining workshops and self-led
learning across managing capability, presentation skills
and talent hiring, helping managers lead with greater
clarity and consistency.
For newly promoted managers, Summit programmes
were delivered to help build their confidence and
capability to Own It in their new roles and we continued
to invest in inclusive leadership through the Raise The
Bar – Women in Leadership apprenticeship, funded by our
apprenticeship levy.
People
At Trainline, our people are
at the centre of everything we
do. Creating an environment
where everyone can grow,
contribute and feel connected
is fundamental to how we bring
our values – Think Big, Own It,
Travel Together and Do Good
– to life.
We also extend our learning opportunities beyond
formal programmes. All employees have access to
Learning Express, our internal learning platform offering
on-demand resources, alongside a personal learning
budget to invest in development aligned to their goals.
This year we also ran an in-person Learning Day focused
on
AI skills, and a self-led Learning Day focused on
working smarter.
We introduced coaching sessions available to all
Trainliners, alongside dedicated coaching programmes for
L3
leaders and above to strengthen communication and
ways of working, and workshops on giving and receiving
feedback to support a consistent feedback culture.
This investment in developing, recognising and growing
talent from within is reflected in outcomes with
92 people
promoted in the past year, and
11
% of open roles being
filled by internal candidates.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
40
People, community and planet
continued
Building skills for the AI age
As technology continues to evolve, we are investing in
the skills our people need to stay ahead. This year, we
held a dedicated
AI Learning Day to build a practical
understanding of how AI can enhance the way we work.
We have rolled out AI tools across the business, including
specialist AI solutions for our developers, to attempt to
solve a broad range of real, day-to-day problems across
the business.
Our annual Tech Summit brought technology colleagues
together for in-depth learning and collaboration, with
expert sessions spanning microservices, security, AI
and machine learning, and developer productivity.
In partnership with AWS, we also hosted a Gen AI
Hackathon, enabling teams to innovate, test ideas
and Own It in a fast-paced, creative environment.
Staying safe, responsible and trusted
Mandatory compliance training remains a core part of
how we operate. Covering diversity and inclusion, cyber
security, data protection and ethical conduct, all content
is designed by subject matter experts within Trainline to
ensure it is directly relevant to how we work. This training
plays an important role in keeping the business safe,
responsible and trusted.
Creating a great employee experience
We believe great performance starts with a great
experience at work. Throughout the year, we look to
create opportunities for connection, transparency and
shared understanding.
Our monthly Company Day brings colleagues together
to hear updates, celebrate success and connect as one
team. Regular leader Ask Me Anything sessions provide
open forums where no topic is off the table and reinforce
our culture of openness and accountability.
We also support employees to build communities
of their own. Our five employee networks – Gender
Equality, Ethnic Diversity, Rainbow Train, Sunflower and
Sustainability – each supported by an Executive Sponsor,
play an important role in fostering belonging and
inclusion. Throughout the year these networks organise
events and initiatives covering Black History Month,
Breast Cancer Awareness and Men’s Mental Health,
alongside fundraising and volunteering activity, that
extends our impact into our wider communities.
Together, these initiatives ensure our people feel
supported to Think Big about their impact and careers,
Own It in their growth, Do Good in how they work, and
Travel Together as one connected team.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
41
People, community and planet
continued
60%
60%
40%
40%
FY2026
FY2025
64%
46%
36%
FY2026
FY2025
78%
67%
22%
33%
FY2026
FY2025
60%
60%
40%
40%
FY2026
FY2025
74%
72%
26%
28%
FY2026
FY2025
Male
Female
Ethnicity
1
Trainline
UK 2021
3
62%
5%
9%
14%
3%
3%
4%
6%
17%
12%
1%
3%
3%
1%
2%
73%
82%
54%
Gender
All People
c.990
Employees
c.60
Nationalities
c.500
Engineers, data and tech specialists
92
Promotions
Technical Roles
Management Team
Senior Leadership
Junior Leadership
1
. The ethnicities used are those defined in the
UK
Government agreed list of ethnic groups which is
available here: www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.
uk/style-guide/ethnic-groups.
2
. Ethnicity data is provided by our People on a voluntary
basis and therefore this data is for the
68% (FY2025
:
60
%) of our
UK
workforce who disclosed their ethnicity
or stated that they would prefer not to say. Under EU
law
we are not permitted to disclose ethnicity data for our
People based in the EU.
3
.
UK 2021
Census data.
White
Asian or Asian British
Mixed or multiple ethnic groups
Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
Prefer not to disclose
Other ethnic group
Outer circle 2026
2
Inner circle
2025
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
42
People, community and planet
continued
Community
At Trainline, we are excited to
continue to work together to
amplify our positive impact
and create meaningful,
lasting change.
Customers
Supporting customers is at the heart of what we do.
Throughout the year, teams leaned in during major
disruption and difficult events – including severe weather
across Europe – to provide customers with the guidance
and reassurance they needed. This is Do Good in
practice: being there when customers most rely on us,
and turning complex, fast-moving situations into clear,
timely information.
We continue building and operating product experiences
that improve passenger confidence and inclusion, including
features that help customers feel safer while travelling and
make it easier for them to access support when they need
it. These initiatives are central to our purpose and they
reflect the rail experience we want to help enable.
Our charity work
Our community impact is shaped by both partnerships and
people. This year, we partnered with charities in ways that
naturally connect to travel, using our platform, scale and
technology as a force for good while continuing to enhance
the passenger experience. We also supported these efforts
through volunteering days, bringing our Do Good value to
life and amplifying the positive impact we create together.
We partnered with Parkinson’s
UK
to co-create an
awareness campaign designed with input from the
Parkinson’s community, helping increase understanding
of the unseen challenges people with Parkinson’s can face
while travelling.
We continued our work with Missing People, using our
platform to help share appeals widely and demonstrate how
our technology can support urgent, real-world outcomes.
We also partnered with Dogs Trust to launch a campaign
aimed at making travelling with your dog more stress-free,
helping customers feel more confident and supported.
Employee-led volunteering and fundraising continued
to grow, with overall charitable donations reaching
£37,943
for the year. Specifically through match funding,
colleagues raised £
10,580
, doubling the impact of
many individual fundraising efforts. Employees used
their Charity Day to support causes close to them, from
community food initiatives to local volunteering and
awareness-raising.
Seasonal giving was another clear example of community
support in action. In Edinburgh, colleagues donated gifts,
helping ensure local children and families had something
extra at Christmas. Further giving activity also took place
across other offices, reflecting the strength of collective
action across locations.
We also launched a new partnership with Every Child
Online, a charity helping close the digital divide by
refurbishing donated technology and distributing it to
those facing digital poverty, all whilst addressing skills gaps
and online safety. This initiative turns end-of-life equipment
into opportunity – supporting access to education and
learning opportunities, while reducing waste.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
43
People, community and planet
continued
Planet
Our commitment
Our sustainability strategy is shaped by our purpose: accelerating the shift to low-carbon
travel and making more sustainable choices the easy option for customers. We have set
ambitious, science-based climate targets, with a long-term ambition to reach net zero
emissions across our full value chain by
2040
. We remain committed to these targets.
Our Science Based Targets include a commitment to reduce absolute Scope
1 and
2
emissions by 55.2% by
2030
, alongside action to address Scope
3
emissions. The
full scope of our targets is listed below. These targets form part of our approach, to
measure, reduce and address residual emissions through offsetting. With over c.98
%
of our emissions sitting within our supply chain, our efforts are concentrated on
engaging our supply chain to reduce our emissions. We expect this will also help drive
wider emission reduction outside of our own supply chain.
In addition, we have taken action towards our Scope
1 and 2
targets by moving our
London base to a new office which operates without gas and secured the use of green
energy in our contract. We expect this to contribute meaningfully to our Scope
1 and 2
trajectory once we complete the transition to the new office in
FY2027
.
Helping customers choose rail and coach is a
meaningful lever for reducing transport emissions.
Alongside enabling modal shift through our product
and partnerships, we have continued to strengthen
the foundations of our operational environmental
footprint – improving measurement, increasing
accountability, and taking practical steps forward.
Long-term targets
Reduce absolute Scope
1 and 2
greenhouse gas emissions by
90
% by
2040
versus
2020
.
Reduce absolute scope
3
GHG greenhouse gas emissions by
90
% within the same
time frame.
Near-term targets
Reduce absolute Scope
1 and 2
greenhouse gas emissions by 55.2% by
2030
from
a 2020
base year.
That
80
% of our suppliers by spend covering purchased goods and services will
have science-based targets by
2028
.
Overall net-zero target
Reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by
2040
.
Our targets
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
44
People, community and planet
continued
Improving our understanding to enhance
our impact
We continue to strengthen our own approach to
sustainability, in particular by improving the quality and
scope of our data to help us take more targeted action
and deliver the greatest impact.
AI-associated emissions
We have expanded our greenhouse gas accounting to
include emissions arising from our use of AI. As a digital
platform we recognise the evolving environmental
footprint of our digital infrastructure arising from our
increasing use of AI-driven products and tools.
Double Materiality Assessment
We conducted our first Double Materiality Assessment
during
FY2026
, which provided a robust, evidence-based
assessment of our most significant ESG (Environmental,
Social, Governance) impacts, risks, and opportunities
across our operations and value chain. The findings are
helping to inform our sustainability strategy, supplier
engagement approach, and future reporting priorities.
Engaging our suppliers
A
significant proportion of our emissions sit within our
value chain, making supplier engagement a critical lever
for decarbonisation. Insights from our Double Materiality
Assessment reinforced the importance of supplier
relationships and helped prioritise where we can have
the greatest influence.
During the year, we strengthened how we engage
suppliers through our tender and procurement processes,
clearly communicating our climate expectations from the
outset. This proactive engagement has already delivered
tangible outcomes with a number of suppliers committing
to set science-based targets. We intend to build on
this progress, with supplier engagement increasingly
embedded in our sustainability and procurement strategy,
supporting greater transparency, stronger governance,
and long-term resilience across our value chain.
The role of offsetting
Offsetting plays a complementary role within our climate
strategy, supporting action on residual emissions while
emissions reductions remain the priority.
This year, we offset
1,524
tonnes of CO₂e towards our
previous year’s footprint. We do not remove this from
our overall net greenhouse gas footprint results; this
is an additional act of good to help our planet. This
covered Scope
1
, Scope
2
, and selected Scope
3
emission
categories, with an additional
411
tonnes of CO₂e offset
as an estimated contribution to our
FY25
increased AI use.
Our offsets are delivered through a high-quality portfolio
that balances emissions avoidance and carbon removal
and aligns closely with our purpose.
Last year we supported three projects:
SELCO Solar Energy Access, India (
404
tCO₂e):
Supporting access to clean, reliable solar energy in a
rapidly growing data centre market.
BasiGo Electric Buses, Kenya (
404
tCO₂e): Enabling a
shift from diesel to electric public transport, aligned
with our mission to accelerate low-carbon travel.
Agreena Regenerative Agriculture, Spain (
716
tCO₂e): Supporting regenerative farming practices
that improve soil health and sequester carbon in a
key market for us.
All offsets meet high-quality standards and deliver
verified climate impact alongside social and
environmental co-benefits, supporting our progress
as longer-term emissions reductions continue.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
45
People, community and planet
continued
Reducing our carbon footprint
Office
We have continued to take steps to reduce the
environmental impact of our workplaces including:
the forthcoming move to our new London office
which operates 100% on green electricity; and
• continuing to use 100% renewable electricity
tariffs for our Edinburgh office.
Infrastructure
Our extensive use of cloud computing services is
more environmentally sustainable, being just over
four times more energy efficient, according to
Amazon Web Services, than utilising equivalent
on-premises data centres.
People
We have continued to educate our People in how
to reduce their environmental impact by providing
guidance and knowledge via our learning and
development platform and introduced a salary
sacrifice benefit to help them transition to an electric
vehicle to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
The following disclosures provide a summary of the actions that we
have taken to review the key risks and opportunities arising from climate
change and the transition to a lower-carbon economy and their potential
impacts on Trainline, in line with the TCFD recommendations.
Due to the nature of our business, Trainline has inherently
lower direct carbon emissions compared to other business
sectors and a significant proportion of our greenhouse gas
(GHG
) emissions arises from our suppliers. We have limited
ability to influence the emissions created by these third
parties but we engage with our suppliers to encourage
transparent emissions reporting and the transition to
renewable energy sources. We welcome the progress being
made by our suppliers in achieving their carbon emission
reduction targets, in particular the validation of Google’s
net-zero targets by the SBTi during FY2026
.
Whilst the GHG emissions we have direct control over
from our office spaces are not substantial, we have taken
significant steps to reduce them with the forthcoming
move to our new London office which we expect will
result in a material reduction of our direct emissions.
TCFD Compliance Statement
We have set out our climate-related financial disclosures
in the pages that follow, and confirm that they are
consistent with all four themes and 11 recommended
disclosures from the TCFD Final Report and Annex
published in October 2021
.
We have disclosed our Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas
emissions for FY2026 on page 50 in this Annual Report,
which have been independently verified with a third party.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
46
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
Governance
Our governance for climate-related risks and opportunities:
TCFD recommendation
How we apply the recommendation
Describe the Board’s oversight
of climate-related risks
and opportunities
The Board is ultimately responsible for Trainline’s strategy and approach to climate-related
risks and opportunities and is particularly focused on the steps we can take to promote the
sustainability of rail and the implementation of the sustainability strategy.
During the year the Board received updates on the execution of our sustainability strategy,
the implementation of sustainability elements into our products, and the progress made to
leverage the opportunities arising from the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
The Board also monitored Trainline’s climate-related risks,
and the continued importance of sustainability to our
stakeholders and their particular focuses.
Updates on these matters will continue to form part of
the Board’s annual agenda to enable it to monitor and
oversee progress.
Describe management’s role in
assessing and managing climate-
related risks and opportunities
The CEO is ultimately responsible for delivering Trainline’s sustainability strategy and
reports to the Board on sustainability matters.
The CEO is supported by the Corporate Sustainability team, which is responsible for
developing and managing delivery of the sustainability strategy and identifying climate-
related risks and opportunities.
The Corporate Sustainability team provides periodic updates
to the CEO and the wider Management Team.
Strategy
Our governance for climate-related risks and opportunities:
TCFD recommendation
How we apply the recommendation
Describe the climate-related
risks and opportunities the
organisation has identified over
the short, medium and long term
Transport is the largest emitting sector of GHG emissions in the UK and the EU. The
transition to a lower-carbon economy will require increasing use of rail and coach, which
in turn provides opportunities for Trainline over the short, medium and long term. Further
information on these opportunities is available on pages 44 and 45.
A number of climate-related risks have been identified and considered that are relevant to
Trainline, in particular:
Short-term (0-5 years)
Policy and Legal: policies and legal requirements in relation to climate-related matters
continue to develop as the significance and need for action grows. We operate in a lower
carbon-intense industry so we do not currently expect related policy and legal changes to
have a negative material financial impact on Trainline (<1% of annual revenue), however,
we recognise the need to continually monitor developments in this area to ensure we
remain compliant.
Technology: no fundamental technology issues arising from
climate-related risks have been identified but we have noted
the current market difficulties in hiring people with relevant
skills and experience and the potential need to invest further
in developing our technology platform and data to enhance
Trainline’s sustainability offering to our customers.
Reputational: as sustainability is a key part of our purpose
there is reputational risk to Trainline that could arise as a
result of us failing to live up to our purpose and through
poor execution of our sustainability strategy.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
47
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
Strategy
continued
Our governance for climate-related risks and opportunities:
TCFD recommendation
How we apply the recommendation
Describe the climate-related
risks and opportunities the
organisation has identified over
the short, medium and long term
continued
Medium-term (5-10 years)
Market: the transition to a lower-carbon economy and the resulting requirement for
increased use of rail and coach is fundamentally an opportunity for Trainline, however,
there is the risk of increased competition as the size of the market opportunity increases,
in particular if we fail to execute our strategy.
Industry policies: particularly relating to the handling of physical tickets for processing
refunds, could also be disrupted should an extreme weather event impact postal services
or our Edinburgh office. However, we are well placed to mitigate these risks due to the
declining use of paper tickets and our investment in simple automated processes that are
available to our customers in our App and website.
Long-term (10+ years)
Acute and chronic physical risks: risks to Trainline’s day-to-day operations are minimal as
we operate via a relatively small office footprint and have a proven ability to transition to
remote working rapidly when required. Expected increases in extreme weather events
arising from climate change would result in increased disruption or cancellation of rail
services which could cause short-term pressure on customer service capacity.
These risks were included in the FY2026 risk management
process. All were assessed to have no material potential
financial impact (<1% of annual revenue) or require additional
responses or mitigations at this time. The process to assess
climate-related risks will develop as our ability to analyse them
matures in the coming years.
Describe the impact of climate-
related risks and opportunities
on the organisation’s business,
strategy and financial planning
Climate-related opportunities are a key element of Trainline’s purpose and strategy, in
particular the opportunity to encourage rail travel and grow brand awareness. In FY2026
the impact of climate-related opportunities on our business and strategy included:
continued support of the ‘I Came By Train’ campaign, which aims to grow the public’s
awareness of the relative benefits of train travel and inspire pride in those that take
positive action;
partnering with Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1 football clubs and the Glastonbury
Festival to promote more sustainable fan travel by providing incentives, education, and
rewards for those who choose to travel by train; and
continuing to engage our supply chain on their net zero targets and our expectations.
As climate-related risks are assessed to have no material
potential financial impact, they had no noteworthy impact
on Trainline in FY2026.
Describe the resilience of the
organisation’s strategy, taking
into consideration different
climate-related scenarios,
including a 2°C or lower scenario
When considering the following scenarios, the Network Rail Fourth Adaptation Report and
the Climate Change Committee Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk were used to
help qualitatively determine the impact of each scenario on Trainline.
The increased use of rail and coach required for the transition to a lower-carbon economy
consistent with a 2°C or lower scenario would create a larger and expanded market which
is a strategic opportunity for Trainline. We closely monitor policy and legal developments
related to rail and frequently engage with regulators and policymakers on rail industry
policy so are well placed to understand the impact of developments and identify
opportunities. Whilst there would be risks that arise from this scenario they would be
predominantly mitigated through the successful execution of our strategic goals.
A climate-related outcome resulting in a 4°C or more scenario
in which the modal shift from cars and planes to rail and
coach does not occur would not materially impact Trainline’s
strategy as the long-term structural tailwinds for the business
would endure, in particular the continued liberalisation of
rail markets in Europe. The extreme weather events arising
from this scenario and the resulting increase in disruption and
cancellation of rail services would increase the risk of short-
term and unpredictable pressures on Trainline’s customer
service capacity as customers seek information and refunds.
However, Trainline is well placed to mitigate this risk via
investment in our personalised AI Travel Assistant.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
48
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
Risk management
Our risk management process for climate-related risks:
TCFD recommendation
How we apply the recommendation
Describe the organisation’s
process for identifying and
assessing climate-related risks
The Corporate Sustainability team meets to discuss our sustainability strategy
and climate-related matters. These are then considered as part of the wider risk
management framework.
These meetings help to identify relevant climate-related risks
that are then assessed by the Internal Risk Committee.
Describe the organisation’s
process for managing
climate-related risks
As part of its assessment of climate-related risks, the Corporate Sustainability team
considers: the probability and significance of each climate-related risk identified, the
mitigants in place, their suitability and appropriate actions where required. The Corporate
Sustainability team utilises the expertise of its members and external service providers to
determine the materiality of identified climate-related risks.
If an identified climate-related risk is deemed to have a high
probability and/or significance, the Internal Risk Committee
will consider appropriate actions that can be taken to introduce
optimal controls and/or mitigants. The Internal Risk Committee
will then report to the Management Team in line with the wider
risk management framework.
Describe how processes for
identifying, assessing and
managing climate-related risks are
integrated into the organisation’s
overall risk management
A member of the Corporate Sustainability team is also a member of the Internal Risk
Committee to ensure the Internal Risk Committee has relevant expertise on climate-
related matters.
More detail on our risk management framework is available on
pages 32 and 33.
Metrics and targets
Our climate-related metrics and targets:
TCFD recommendation
How we apply the recommendation
Disclose the metrics used by the
organisation to assess climate-
related risks and opportunities
in line with its strategy and risk
management process
Government and industry reports on climate-related risks to rail infrastructure, such as the
Network Rail Fourth Adaptation Report and the Climate Change Committee Independent
Assessment of UK Climate Risk, and continued investment in and promotion of rail by UK
and European Governments are the main metrics used to assess climate-related risks and
opportunities.
In relation to our ability to meet our net zero commitments,
these are predominantly dependent on UK and European
governments and our suppliers meeting their own net zero
commitments. We aim to actively engage with our suppliers to
encourage transparent emissions reporting in accordance with
our supplier code of conduct.
Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and,
if appropriate, Scope 3
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
and the related risks
In alignment with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements,
emissions have been reported on a ‘like-for-like’ basis with the previous year’s data for
comparative purposes.
We have disclosed our Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas
emissions for FY2026 on page 50 in this Annual Report,
which have been independently verified with a third party.
Description of the targets used
by the organisation to manage
climate-related risks and
opportunities and performance
against targets
Trainline continues to monitor and implement relevant initiatives to ensure our net zero
commitments, officially verified by the SBTi, are met within the relevant time frame.
In Q4 FY2024, our London office was transitioned away from renewable energy supply
which increased our Scope 2 emissions and had a short-term negative impact on
performance against our SBTi net zero targets. We expect the move to our new London
office will result in a material reduction in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
We have also taken steps to better understand the increasing
usage of AI on our emissions and increased our CO
2
e offsets
to reflect this. In addition, we have provided guidance to our
People on how best to use AI sustainably.
You can read more on page 41.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
49
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
SECR global GHG emissions and energy use data
Current reporting year
FY2026
Previous reporting year
FY2025
UK
Global
UK
Global
Emissions from activities which the Company
owns or controls including combustion of fuel
and operation of facilities (Scope 1)/tCO
2
e
77.84
89.43
Emissions from the purchase of electricity,
heat, steam and cooling purchased for own
use (Scope 2, location-based)/tCO
2
e
170.43
3.69
248.39
1.76
Emissions from the purchase of electricity,
heat, steam and cooling purchased for own
use (Scope 2, market-based)/tCO
2
e
382.45
3.69
409.27
1.82
Total gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions/tCO
2
e
248.27
3.69
337.82
1.76
Total energy consumption used to calculate
emissions in kWh
1,388,338
78,464
1,643,428
44,658
Intensity ratio: tCO
2
e gross figure based from
mandatory fields above/m
2
of office space
0.04
0.003
0.05
0.001
Intensity ratio: tCO
2
e gross figure based from
mandatory fields above/FTE
0.30
0.02
0.39
0.01
Current reporting year
FY2026
Previous reporting
year FY2025
All markets
(market-based)
All markets
(market-based)
Scope 3 Category 1: Purchased goods and services
17,119.70
18,842.90
Scope 3 Category 2: Capital goods
596.79
356.75
Scope 3 Category 3: Well-to-tank fuels and electricity
70.24
95.79
Scope 3 Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution
59.00
72.12
Scope 3 Category 5: Waste
8.03
6.87
Scope 3 Category 6: Business travel
374.58
578.62
Scope 3 Category 7: Employee commuting and working from home
710.22
751.93
Scope 3 Category 8: Upstream leased assets
15.93
21.70
Scope 3 Category 11: Use of sold products
248.29
409.20
Total tCO
2
e Scope 1, 2 and 3 (market-based)
19,666.75
21,636.40
Scope
The data detailed in the tables represents emissions and energy use for
which Trainline is responsible, including energy use in offices: gas (Scope
1);
electricity (Scope 2); and various value chain emissions (Scope 3
).
We have independently verified our greenhouse gas results with a third
party.
Calculation
Emissions for energy use in data centres have been calculated by a third
party, Amazon Web Services (AWS
). These are based on estimates for
Trainline energy consumption with an ROI
grid emission factor applied.
AWS procure renewable energy for use in data centres, therefore
although power and computer usage has increased, emissions from data
centre use have not.
Methodology
As a large, quoted company, Trainline is required to report its energy
use and carbon emissions in accordance with the Companies (Directors’
Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report)
Regulations
2019. Trainline has used the main requirements of the
Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard to calculate our emissions,
along with the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company
Reporting 2025 and the
IEA Emissions Factors
2025
. The sum of all
emissions included within this report are for the reporting period
1
March
2025 to
28
February 2026
.
Omissions and estimates
Estimations were made where no data was provided. Where gaps were
observed in annual single data sets, estimates were based upon actual
data and extrapolations made.
Where no annual data was provided, estimations were used either based
upon previous years’ reported data, or calculated using best available
benchmarks for office environmental benchmarks.
Energy efficiency actions
For the reporting period 1
March
2025 to
28
February 2026, we have not
employed any additional energy efficiency actions from the previous
reporting year. This is due to securing renewable energy in our new
London office, which will impact our
FY2027
footprint.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
50
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Disclosures
SASB Standards for Internet and Media Services
Trainline is committed to transparent reporting to provide our stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG
) metrics that are
material to our business.
As such we have aligned the below disclosures to the SASB
Internet and Media Services Standards for the Group, covering our activities during
FY2026
.
SASB accounting metric
SASB code
Trainline disclosure
(1) Total energy consumed,
(2) percentage grid electricity,
(3) percentage renewable
TC-IM-130a.1
1) Electricity: 1,041,364 kWh (1,244,633 kWh in FY2025), Gas: 425,438 kWh (443,453 kWh in FY2025; 2) 86.35% (88.25% in
FY2025); and 3) 13.65% (11.75% in FY2025).
(1) Total water withdrawn,
(2) total water consumed, percentage of
each in regions with High or Extremely
High Baseline Water Stress
TC-IM-130a.2
1) 35,568 m
3
(30,184 m
3
in FY2025); 2) Trainline does not track where water is withdrawn.
Discussion of the integration of
environmental considerations into
strategic planning for data centre needs
TC-IM-130a.3
Environmental considerations are incorporated into our procurement process. As part of any procurement event, Trainline
continues to positively score providers that have published targets with the SBTi and have long-term commitments to use
100% renewable energy. We mandate suppliers involved in medium and high-value transactions to supply details of their
net zero targets and strategies. We have actively engaged suppliers to set climate reduction targets in order to secure a
contract with us this year.
Description of policies and practices relating
to targeted advertising and user privacy
TC-IM-220a.1
Trainline’s policy is to rely on the consent given by customers for targeted advertising collected on visiting our website and
App in compliance with privacy laws including GDPR, and other legislation.
Number of users whose information is
used for secondary purposes
TC-IM-220a.2
Where personal data is processed, Trainline protects it throughout its life cycle by ensuring appropriate policies and
processes are in place. We provide transparency to customers and staff via published privacy and cookies notices.
We use privacy impact assessments in order to assess any level of risk involved in new or novel processing activities. As
soon as personal data is no longer required for provision of services offered or for legal or regulatory requirements that
we are subject to, we make sure it’s either deleted or anonymised.
Total amount of monetary losses as a
result of legal proceedings associated
with user privacy
TC-IM-220a.3
Omitted as privileged and confidential.
Entity-defined measure of user activity
TC-IM-000.A
We disclose our net ticket sales on page 2.
(1) Number of law enforcement requests
for user information,
(2) number of users whose information
was requested,
(3) percentage resulting in disclosure
TC-IM-220a.4
1) 704 (567 in FY2025). 2) Trainline does not track this metric. 3) Trainline complies with 100% of requests. Trainline fully
complies with all law enforcement requests, disclosing the requested information as required. Each request is carefully
reviewed in accordance with internal procedures, ensuring that disclosures are made only when there is a lawful basis and
when deemed proportionate to the rights and freedoms of the affected user, for example, in cases involving suspected
fraud prevention.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
51
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Disclosures
continued
SASB accounting metric
SASB code
Trainline disclosure
List of countries where core products or
services are subject to government-required
monitoring, blocking, content filtering,
or censoring
TC-IM-220a.5
Trainline does not operate in countries where core products or services are subject to government-required monitoring,
blocking, content filtering or censoring.
Number of government requests to
remove content, percentage compliance
with requests
TC-IM-220a.6
There have been no government requests for Trainline to remove content.
(1) Number of data breaches,
(2) that are personal data breaches,
(3) number of percentage users affected
TC-IM-230a.1
Trainline had no customer-related personal data breaches that have met the formal threshold for notification to regulatory
bodies in this last year.
Description of approach to identifying and
addressing data security risks, including use
of third-party cybersecurity standards
TC-IM-230a.2
Trainline maintains a suite of information security and privacy-related policies, standards, procedures and controls in
compliance with industry standards such as PCI DSS and has ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 Certification. Trainline’s Chief
Information Security Officer oversees dedicated teams responsible for information security and privacy, including the Data
Protection Officer.
Percentage of employees that require a
work visa
TC-IM-330a.1
10% of all employees (15% in FY2025). Trainline works closely with external legal counsel to ensure sponsorship
requirements are met for all visa-holding employees working within the jurisdictions where Trainline operates.
Employee engagement as a percentage
TC-IM-330a.2
Omitted as privileged and confidential.
Percentage of
(1) gender and
(2) diversity representation for
(a) executive management,
(b) non-executive management,
(c) technical roles, and
(d) all other employees
TC-IM-330a.3
We disclose this within the People, community and planet section on page 42 and Governance section on page 60.
Total amount of monetary losses as a
result of legal proceedings associated with
anti-competitive behaviour regulations
TC-IM-520a.1
Trainline has not been subject to legal proceedings associated with anti-competitive behaviours and as a result has not
suffered any losses nor has it had to take any actions (such as changes in operations, management etc).
(1) Data processing capacity,
(2) percentage outsourced
TC-IM-000.B
Omitted as privileged and confidential.
(1) Amount of data storage,
(2) percentage outsourced
TC-IM-000.C
Omitted as privileged and confidential.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
52
TCFD, SECR and SASB disclosures
continued
Stakeholder engagement
The following pages summarise the stakeholder groups we consider to be key to the Group, what’s important to them,
and how we have engaged with them during the financial year.
Trainline’s long-term success depends on effective engagement
with our key stakeholder groups. We aim to provide the best experience
for our customers, to support and promote the rail industry, and
generate sustainable value and growth for our People and shareholders.
Stakeholder perspectives are considered in our decision-making
and discussions, which are important to achieving our overall purpose
and strategy.
Key
Build demand
Increase customer
lifetime value
Grow supply
Enhancing the
customer experience
Expand Trainline
Solutions
Our key stakeholders and their significance
What is important to them
Engagement
Board engagement
1. Our customers
Customer experience is a core focus of
Trainline’s business. With the ever-changing
customer landscape, understanding
our customers’ travel needs is key to us
delivering and continually improving
our best-in-class product experience.
Link to strategic growth priorities:
Accessing the latest information on their
planned journey and understanding its
environmental impact.
Finding the cheapest, fastest and most convenient
tickets for their journeys, saving them money,
time and hassle.
A secure, reliable and robust product experience
that is consistent, responsive and delivered with
simplicity, clarity and ease.
Greater accessibility to more sustainable modes
of transport.
We engage regularly with and learn from our
customers. We utilise a number of internal and
external tools and systems to help us understand
how well we’re serving our customers across their
purchase and travel experience, and where they
want us to improve. We also undertake targeted
research to better understand specific issues
and markets.
During FY2026, this included:
insight programmes designed to understand
our customers’ relationship with emerging
technologies – particularly AI; and
creating ‘customer communities’ that aim to
get us closer to our customers when defining
new features.
The Board Directors are active users of
Trainline and also receive regular updates
on our customers, in particular:
their needs and key trends; and
the successes and learnings from new
products and features that we launch.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
53
Stakeholder engagement and Section 172(1) statement
Our key stakeholders and their significance
What is important to them
Engagement
Board engagement
2. Our carrier partners
In order to provide our customers with
the best possible rail and coach journey
experience, it’s paramount we establish
and maintain strong relationships with our
carrier partners. Trainline also provides
white-label services to a number of carriers.
Link to strategic growth priorities:
The opportunity to increase their reach, ticket
sales and the number of customers and corporate
travellers using their services in their home
market or when expanding into new liberalised
foreign markets.
Lower cost to serve customers by transitioning
to digital.
Support by helping customers find the right
information for their planned journeys and
travel safely.
Access to Trainline’s operational excellence and
innovation, through our white-label service.
We have a dedicated, multinational team of
rail and coach travel specialists responsible for
establishing and growing relationships with our
carrier partners.
Trainline works with carrier partners at every
level of the organisation to drive collaboration,
deliver marketing campaigns and improve
processes to enhance customer experience.
During FY2026, we have been especially
focused on:
supporting carriers as they launch new routes
and services; and
driving incremental revenue, data insights and
operational efficiencies for our carrier partners.
The Board receives regular updates on our
carrier partners. During the year these
updates included:
the strategies of each carrier and
potential new entrants; and
how Trainline has supported carriers
in FY2026.
3. Government and regulators
Government and regulatory policy determine
much of the business environment in which
Trainline operates.
Link to strategic growth priorities:
Increasing rail usage and the implementation of
their respective priorities.
The reduction in carbon emissions, by increasing
modal shift to rail from other less environmentally
friendly travel modes.
Trainline seeks to create a positive regulatory
environment across all markets. We regularly
engage in consultations and meet with key
policymakers, government representatives and
industry bodies across the UK and wider Europe.
During the year, our focus has been on:
engaging with UK and European governments
on industry reform;
engaging with EU competition authorities
and regulators on the opening up of rail
retail markets.
The Board receives updates on
engagement with governments and
regulators, in particular:
engagement with UK and European
government, regulators and political
parties; and
the progress made on providing insights
to help solve industry problems.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
54
Stakeholder engagement and Section 172(1) statement
continued
Our key stakeholders and their significance
What is important to them
Engagement
Board engagement
4. Our People
Ensuring that we attract, nurture and retain
our People and focus them on achieving our
strategy is key to Trainline’s success.
Trainline’s Board is keenly aware that the
interests of our People should be considered
when making decisions that may impact
them and the wider business.
Link to strategic growth priorities:
The ability to develop and progress as a business
that has an environmentally sustainable purpose.
An opportunity to contribute, take ownership and
deliver to a clear and shared strategy.
Working with a diverse and gender-balanced team.
Work/life balance.
The opportunity to share in the success of
the business.
We regularly bring together all our People across
all our offices at our All-Hands sessions so our
Management Team can bring everyone up to
speed on our latest projects, the progress towards
our strategy and our recent business performance.
We undertake periodic Group-wide engagement
surveys so we can evaluate how our whole team
are doing and measure our progress against our
key engagement indicators.
The Board receives regular updates on
our People and culture, in particular the
results of our Group-wide engagement
surveys and progress made against our
People strategy. Board members are also
invited to attend All-Hands and other
engagement sessions.
During FY2026, the Board also visited
our Barcelona office and met with the
local team to help further develop its
understanding of our business.
5. Our shareholders
The Board is accountable to shareholders.
Trainline aims to ensure that a good dialogue
with shareholders, prospective investors
and analysts is maintained, and that their
issues and concerns are understood and
considered by the Board, the Management
Team and our People.
Link to strategic growth priorities:
Understanding the strategy, operations, financial
and commercial performance of the Group.
Understanding the exposure to macroeconomic,
competitive and political risk.
Opportunity for dialogue with Management on
key matters.
Sustainability and the environmental and ethical
impact of the Group.
The governance structures that are in place and
changes to them.
The Investor Relations Team, Executives and
Board members have continued to meet and
engage regularly with investors via calls,
conferences, roadshows and fireside chats.
To help investors better understand Trainline’s
business, the Investor Relations Team maintains
an investor site housing key information for
investors to better understand the business.
The Board receives regular updates on our
shareholders, which typically focus on:
investor sentiment on Trainline and the
industry; and
the key areas of focus arising in the
Company’s engagement with investors.
Members of the Board have also engaged
directly with investors during the year to
discuss matters relevant to their role.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
55
Stakeholder engagement and Section 172(1) statement
continued
Section 172(1) statement
Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006 requires a director of a company to act in the
way he or she considers, in good faith, would most likely promote the success of the
company for the benefit of its members as a whole.
In doing this, s
.172
(1) requires a director to have regard, amongst other matters, to the:
• likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
• interests of the company’s employees;
need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
• impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment;
desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business
conduct; and
need to act fairly as between members of the company.
The Board understands that how we behave matters not only to our People but
also to the many stakeholders who have an interest in our business. We believe
that productive business relationships with our suppliers, customers and other key
stakeholders are key to the success of the Group and that the interests of relevant
parties should be considered when making decisions that may impact them. Though
engagement is carried out by those most relevant to the stakeholder or issue in
question, the Board receives updates on the engagement that has been undertaken,
the reoccurring questions and concerns raised, and the feedback provided by the
Group’s key stakeholders.
When making decisions, the Board takes the course of action that it considers best leads
to the success of the Company over the long term, and when doing so also considers
the interests of the stakeholders that we interact with. The Board acknowledges
that not every decision made will necessarily result in a positive outcome for all of
our stakeholders. However, by considering the Group’s purpose and values together
with its strategic priorities, the Board aims to make sure its decisions are consistent
and predictable.
We set out on page
63 some examples of how the Directors have had regard to the
matters set out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) when discharging their section 172(1) duty
and the effect of that on certain decisions taken by them. By considering these matters
the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) of the
Companies Act 2006 when performing their duty under section 172
.
Non-financial and sustainability information statement
The following table sets out where non-financial and sustainability information can be
found within this Annual Report, further to the Financial Reporting Directive requirements
contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006
. Where possible, it
also states where additional information can be found that supports these requirements.
Reporting
requirement
Relevant Trainline policies
and due diligence processes
Related
principal risks
Where to read
more in this report
Page
Environmental
matters
Supplier code of conduct
Sustainability policy
Energy and carbon policy
None
People, community and
planet
Global GHG emissions
and data
44 to 45
50
Climate-related
financial
disclosures
Energy and carbon policy
None
Climate-related risks
and opportunities
46 to 49
Our People
Trainline staff handbook
People policies and
procedures
People
People, community and
planet
Stakeholder engagement
39 to 43
55
Social matters
n/a
None
People, community and
planet
39 to 45
Human rights
Human rights, anti-slavery
and human trafficking policy
Supplier code of conduct
Compliance
Principal risks and
uncertainties
Stakeholder engagement
37
53 to 54
Business model
n/a
All
None
8 to 9
Anti-corruption
and anti-bribery
Anti-fraud, corruption and
bribery policy
Conflicts of interest policy
Compliance
Supply and
partnerships
Principal risks and
uncertainties
People, community and
planet
Report of the Audit and
Risk Committee
37
41
71
The Strategic Report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
the Companies Act 2006
, has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.
On behalf of the Board
Martin McIntyre
Company Secretary
5 May 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
56
Stakeholder engagement and Section 172(1) statement
continued
Docusign Envelope ID: E89C14F1-790A-8F35-83F3-D376F7CBDB66
Governance
58
Chair’s Governance Statement
59
Governance Structure
61
Board of Directors
65
Report of the Nomination Committee
67
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
72
Directors’ Remuneration Report
85
Directors’ Report
88
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
65
Report of the
Nomination
Committee
Update from the Nomination
Committee on its activities.
72
Directors’
Remuneration Report
Remuneration outcomes for the
Board and the structure for the
next financial year.
58
Chair’s governance
statement
An introduction from our Chair,
Brian McBride, on our Board and
Trainline’s governance.
67
Report of the Audit
and Risk Committee
The work of the Audit and Risk
Committee in monitoring the
Group’s Financial Statements,
its internal controls and risk
management framework.
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
57
Governance
Succession
On behalf of the Board,
I
would like to thank Jody and
Duncan for their contributions to Trainline’s success.
Jody’s leadership has been outstanding during what has
and continues to be a pivotal period for Trainline. Finding
the right candidate to deliver Trainline’s strategic priorities
and ensuring a smooth transition from Jody to our next
CEO
has been a key priority for me and the Board and
I
look forward to announcing our new
CEO once our
rigorous recruitment process has been completed.
Duncan has stewarded the Audit and Risk Committee
masterfully since
IPO and has provided immense
guidance, constructive challenge and advice to me, the
Board and Trainline during his tenure. It will be a challenge
to replace someone of Duncan’s calibre but we look
forward to announcing his successor as Audit and Risk
Committee Chair in due course.
Culture
A
strong culture that is aligned to our purpose and values
is critical to Trainline achieving its strategic priorities. The
Board receives regular updates on cultural indicators,
including employee engagement, feedback and retention,
and sets a clear tone from the top when engaging with
our people to help ensure that the right behaviours are in
place across the business.
The Board continues to engage closely with our Executive
Leadership to monitor Trainline’s culture and also engages
directly with our people, including visiting our Barcelona
team during the year to gain first-hand insights into
Trainline’s culture outside of the
UK and experience
aggregation in Spain first hand. More information on our
people and culture is available on pages
39 to 43.
Sustainability
Trainline has continued to live its purpose by taking
steps to reduce the impact of our own operations on the
environment, in particular the move to our new London
office which we expect will result in a significant reduction
in our direct emissions and positions us well to achieve our
Scope
1
and Scope
2
SBTi net zero targets. We have also
accelerated engagement with our suppliers to encourage
them to set their own net zero targets and are seeing
strong successes here. Additional information on our
sustainability initiatives is available on pages
44 to 52.
Diversity and inclusion
The Board and the Nomination Committee recognise the
importance of diversity and inclusion and the positive
impact that a diverse workforce has on Trainline.
The Board is pleased to support the Group’s initiatives
to encourage and promote diversity throughout the
business. We strive to be transparent with our diversity
and inclusion data, which you can find on page
42 and 60.
Annual General Meeting
We will be holding our
AGM on 18
June at our new London
office at
1
Stonecutter, London,
EC4A 4AH. I
encourage
our shareholders to attend and take advantage of this
opportunity to ask questions of the Board. Alternatively,
shareholders may submit their questions to the Board via
email to investor@trainline
.com.
Brian McBride
Chair
5
May
2026
On behalf of the
Board, I am pleased
to provide an overview
of our activities during
the year.”
Brian
McBride
Chair
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
58
Chair’s governance statement
Docusign Envelope ID: 79F42E9C-1A6A-8793-8096-AFBD2D969FE2
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee provides oversight of the
integrity of the Group’s Financial Statements and reports
back to the Board on the Annual Report and Financial
Statements, compliance with regulatory and legal
requirements and other disclosures.
The Audit and Risk Committee reviews the independence
and objectivity of the External Auditor and monitors the
effectiveness of the External Auditor, the external audit
process and the Internal Audit function.
The Audit and Risk Committee monitors and reviews
Trainline’s internal control and enterprise risk management
framework and systems. It also reviews whistleblowing,
fraud, bribery and other compliance policies and procedures.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee develops the Group’s
policy on Board remuneration, monitors its ongoing
appropriateness and determines the levels of remuneration
for the Executive Directors, the Chair and the Non-executive
Directors. In doing so, the Committee considers and
oversees workforce remuneration and related policies
and takes these into account when setting the policy for
Board remuneration.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee reviews the composition of
the Board and its Committees, including the effectiveness
of its members, to ensure the Board has the skills and
experience to support the achievement of Trainline’s
strategy. It leads the process for Board appointments,
is responsible for succession planning at the Board and
Senior Management level and oversees the development
of a diverse pipeline.
The Board operates with the assistance of three permanent Board Committees and delegates authority
on specific matters to other committees, where it considers it appropriate to do so.
Trainline’s Management Team
Led by the CEO, Trainline’s Management
Team is composed of the Group’s
senior executives who are responsible
for implementing, informing and
monitoring the strategy as set by the
Board. The executives oversee the
day-to-day operations of Trainline
and come together to review, assess
and agree on actions to be taken to
achieve the objectives of the Group. The
Management Team meets regularly to
discuss the operational and financial
performance of the Group.
A number of sub-committees, chaired
by members of the Management
Team, provide expertise and oversight
on significant matters for the Group.
These sub-committees include the
Sustainability Committee, Internal
Risk Committee, Security and Privacy
Committee, and Disclosure Committee.
More information on Trainline’s Management Team is available at: https://www.trainlinegroup.com/who-we-are
Board of Directors
The Board works to ensure that the Company generates
and maintains value over the long term. It is collectively
responsible for establishing Trainline’s purpose, values,
culture and strategy to enable the long-term success of
the Group. It is accountable to Trainline’s shareholders
and seeks to represent the interests of other stakeholders
when: setting our long-term focus, strategy, culture and
policies; ensuring that the Group has the right resources;
overseeing risk and corporate governance; and monitoring
progress towards meeting our strategic objectives,
sustainability goals and annual plans.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that Trainline
achieves its purpose and that the purpose is embedded at
all levels of the business. The Board assesses and monitors
the Group’s culture, promoting its alignment with its
purpose, values and strategy. It ensures that the Group
operates within a prudent framework of effective controls
and risk management, including cyber and information
security risks.
Additionally, the Board oversees the implementation
of Trainline’s sustainability strategy and its approach to
climate-related risks and opportunities.
The Directors are collectively responsible for the success
of Trainline. The Non-executive Directors exercise
independent, objective judgement in respect of Board
decisions, and scrutinise and challenge the Management
Team. They also have various responsibilities concerning
the integrity of financial information, internal controls
and risk management.
By embodying and promoting Trainline’s culture, the
Board works to monitor and assess Trainline’s objectives
in developing world-class technology and maintaining
Trainline’s robust and scalable business model with due
regard to Trainline’s customers, people, carrier partners
and other key stakeholders.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
59
Governance structure
2
1
3
5
2
1
5
Board balance
Executive Director
Chair of the Board
Independent
Non-executive Director
0
-
3
years
3
-
6
years
6
-
9
years
Non-executive
Director tenure
Division of responsibilities
There is a clear division between executive and non-executive
responsibilities to ensure accountability and appropriate oversight.
The roles of the Chair of the Board, the
CEO
and the Senior
Independent Non-executive Director are separately held and
their responsibilities are well defined in writing and in practice.
Chair of the Board
Leads the Board and is responsible for its overall effectiveness in
directing the Group
Shapes the culture in the boardroom, in particular by promoting
openness and debate
Sets a Board agenda primarily focused on strategy, performance,
value creation, culture, stakeholders and accountability, ensuring
that issues relevant to these areas are reserved for Board decision
Demonstrates objective judgement
CEO
Develops the Group’s proposed strategy, plans, commercial and
other objectives for the Board to consider and then delivers the
Board’s decisions
Manages the Group on a day-to-day basis within the authority
delegated by the Board
Keeps the Chair and the Board informed of potentially complex,
contentious or sensitive issues affecting the Group
Manages the Group’s risk profile in line with the assessment made
by the Board
Senior Independent Non-executive Director
Acts as a sounding board for the Chair
• Understands the views of the workforce and communicates them
to the Board
Is available to shareholders if they have concerns which have not
been resolved through the normal channels of communication
with the Company or for which such contact is inappropriate
At least annually, leads a meeting of the Non-executive Directors,
without the Chair present, to appraise the performance of the
Chair, taking into account the views of the Executive Directors
Board at a glance
High-growth business
People
Finance
Digital & Commerce
Operations
Risk Management
Government & Regulatory
Technology
Duncan Tatton-Brown
Rakhi Goss-Custard
Jennifer Duvalier
Pete Wood
Jody Ford
Brian McBride
Marie Lalleman
Andy Phillipps
Board skills, knowledge and experience
Board and Senior Management diversity
No. of Board
members
% of the
Board
No. of senior positions
on the Board
3
No. of Executive
Management
1
% Executive
Management
1
Gender
Men
5
62.5%
3
7
70%
Women
3
37.5%
1
3
30%
Ethnicity
White British or other White
(including minority-White groups)
6
75%
4
7
70%
Asian/Asian British
1
12.5%
Not specified/prefer not to say
2
1
12.5%
3
30%
1
. Includes the Company Secretary.
2. Under EU
law, we cannot disclose ethnicity for one of our Board members.
3
. Includes the Chair,
CEO,
CFO
and
SID
.
Board meeting attendance
during the financial year
Board member
Meetings
Brian McBride
7/7
Andy Phillipps
7/7
Duncan Tatton-Brown
7/7
Jennifer Duvalier
7/7
Jody Ford
7/7
Marie Lalleman
7/7
Pete Wood
7/7
Rakhi Goss-Custard
7/7
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
60
Governance structure
continued
C
Committee Key
Audit and Risk Committee
Nomination Committee
Remuneration Committee
C
Chair of Committee
Brian
McBride
Chair
Jody
Ford
Executive Director and CEO
Pete
Wood
Executive Director and CFO
Jennifer
Duvalier
Senior Independent
Non-executive Director
Skills and experience
Brian has a strong track record in leading
businesses, having held many senior
positions throughout his career including
Chair of ASOS from 2012 to 2018 and
CEO of Amazon.co.uk from 2006 to 2011.
He has also held Non-executive Director
positions at Abrdn plc, AO World plc,
Computacenter PLC, SThree PLC and
Celtic FC PLC. He was previously on the
Board of the BBC, President of the CBI,
and was a member of the Advisory Board
of Huawei UK.
Skills and experience
Prior to Trainline, Jody held the position
of CEO at Photobox Group, Europe’s
leading personalisation business,
encompassing the Moonpig and
Photobox brands. Prior to Photobox
Group, he spent ten years at eBay,
latterly in California, leading the Growth
function globally. Jody holds an MBA
from INSEAD and a BA in Economics and
Politics from Exeter University.
Skills and experience
Pete joined Trainline in February 2015,
becoming CFO in December 2022. Prior
to Trainline, he served as VP Finance
leading financial control, planning
and analysis, and had a central role in
engagement with industry and regulatory
stakeholders. Additionally he spent nine
years at eBay, both as a finance leader
and in various commercial roles. Pete
holds a Master’s degree in Engineering
from the University of Cambridge.
Skills and experience
Jennifer was Executive Vice President,
People, for ARM Holdings plc with
responsibility for all People and Internal
Communications globally from 2013 to
2017. Prior to ARM, Jennifer was Group
People and Culture Director at UBM plc
from 2007 to 2013 and Group HR Director
at Emap plc from 2003 to 2007. Jennifer
holds an MA (Hons) from the University
of Oxford in English and French.
Other appointments
Brian is a Senior Adviser to Scottish Equity
Partners and Chair of the Public Interest
Committee at KPMG.
Other appointments
Jody is a Non-executive Director of
the BBC.
Other appointments
None.
Other appointments
Jennifer is Senior Independent Director,
Chair of the Remuneration Committee and
the designated Non-executive Director
for employee engagement of Mitie
plc. She is Chair of the Remuneration
Committee of NCC Group plc, and is Chair
of the Sustainability Committee of The
Cranemere Group Ltd.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
61
Board of Directors
C
C
Duncan
Tatton-Brown
Independent Non-executive Director
Rakhi
Goss-Custard
Independent Non-executive Director
Andy
Phillipps
Independent Non-executive Director
Marie
Lalleman
Independent Non-executive Director
Skills and experience
Duncan was CFO of Ocado plc from
September 2012 to November 2020. Prior
to joining Ocado, Duncan held the CFO
role at Fitness First plc and was Group
Finance Director of Kingfisher plc. Duncan
was previously a Non-executive Director
of Cazoo Group Ltd, and Non-executive
Director and Audit Committee Chair
of Rentokil Initial plc. Duncan holds a
Master’s degree in Engineering from
King’s College, Cambridge.
Skills and experience
Rakhi has extensive expertise in
customer experience and innovation
having spent 12 years at Amazon in
various senior leadership positions. Prior
to joining Amazon, Rakhi held roles at
TomTom and US management consulting
firm Oliver Wyman. Rakhi holds a BA in
Marketing and Communications from
the University of Pennsylvania. Rakhi was
previously a Non-executive Director of
Rightmove plc and Kingfisher plc.
Skills and experience
Andy brings a wealth of experience in
ecommerce and significant knowledge
of technology and marketplaces from
his previous role as CEO of Priceline
International and Chair of Toptable.com,
both now part of Booking.com. Andy was
previously a Non-executive Director of
Albion Development VCT PLC, an investor in
high-growth businesses with a strong focus
on technology companies. Andy is the
co-founder of the Better Futures
Programme at the University of Cambridge.
Skills and experience
Marie has extensive experience of data-
driven strategic growth and consumer
behaviours having spent 29 years at
Nielsen ultimately as Executive Vice
President. Most recently, Marie was Chair
of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee at Patrizia SE, which is listed on
the German SDAX. Marie holds a diploma
in International Business Management
and Administration from Kedge School
of Business and is based in France.
Other appointments
Duncan is Chair of Oxford Nanopore
Technologies plc and Loveholidays.com.
Other appointments
Rakhi is a Non-executive Director of
Schroders plc.
Other appointments
Andy is currently a member of the
Investment Advisory Committee of iQ
Capital and Non-executive Director at
Cambridge Angels.
Other appointments
Marie is Chair of the Nomination and
Corporate Governance Committee at
Criteo SA, which is NASDAQ listed. Marie
is also a Global External Advisor at Bain &
Company, Chair of the Advisory Board of
Vusion, a member of the Advisory Board
of TechForRetail, and a Non-executive
Director and Chair of the Nomination
and Remuneration Committee at PayFit.
Committee Key
Audit and Risk Committee
Nomination Committee
Remuneration Committee
C
Chair of Committee
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
62
Board of Directors
continued
Strategy and performance
1
2
3
5
The Board reviewed and approved the Company’s strategy and budget and received updates throughout the year on execution, in
particular: engagement with UK Government and other stakeholders on the Railways Bill and development of the Code of Practice
for GBR; continued focussed marketing investment on European high-speed routes with emerging carrier competition; new product
launches such as the ‘Way to Train’ disruption features; and Trainline Solutions growth opportunities.
As part of these updates, the Board engaged with the Management Team and their reports to provide constructive challenge and
share their knowledge, skills and experience. When deliberating, the Board considered the feedback received from engagement
exercises with our stakeholders and seeks to incorporate them where they align with the long-term success of Trainline.
Workforce engagement and culture
4
The Board monitors workforce engagement and culture throughout the year, in particular by attending events, visiting our
Barcelona office and reviewing the results of Trainline’s employee engagement processes. The Board uses these and other sources
of insight to assess and monitor the culture and behaviours of the Group. Accordingly, the Board is satisfied that the Group’s culture
is a positive one.
As Trainline’s designated Non-executive Director for Workforce Engagement, Jennifer Duvalier continued to attend workforce focus
groups and meetings of the Company’s employee-led networks. Jennifer shared the key themes and perspectives arising from these
with the Board at various meetings in the year.
Capital allocation – returning value to shareholders and Convertible Bond redemption
5
During the year, the Board continued to implement the Company’s capital allocation policy, approving a further two share buyback
programmes totalling £225 million, to provide the Company with flexibility in capital management and to enable the return of
surplus capital to shareholders. The Board also approved the redemption of the Company’s Convertible Bond at maturity in January
2026 utilising existing liquidity resources.
In reaching these decisions, the Board considered the prudent application of the capital allocation policy and modestly increasing
Group leverage at a time of strong commercial lending to maximise cash utilisation, while maintaining a balance sheet consistent
with the Board’s strategic priorities.
Cyber and information security
1
2
3
4
5
The Board received updates from the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer on the Group’s cyber and
information security risks and the general threat landscape. The Board closely monitors progress against cyber and information
security strategy as part of the Group’s risk management practices.
Principal matters considered by the
Board during the year:
Group strategy and performance
Detailed review of the Group’s strategy and budget,
updates on initiatives, discussions of short and
long-term priorities and setting medium-term plans
Performance against the Group’s strategy and
budget throughout the year
Operational
Product development and marketing strategy
Technology, data and AI strategy
Customer service strategy
Shareholders and stakeholders
UK and European regulatory and political environment
Investor relations and key stakeholder updates
Reporting and risk management
Annual review of the Group’s principal and
emerging risks
Specific risk areas that are significant to Trainline,
including information security and privacy
Review and approval of annual and half-yearly reporting
Leadership and people
Board and Management Team succession planning
Culture and workforce engagement
Annual People strategy including progress made on
diversity and inclusion initiatives
Governance, corporate responsibility
and sustainability
Results of the annual Board effectiveness review and
agreement on the actions identified
2025 Annual General Meeting
Trainline’s sustainability strategy and net
zero commitments
The material internal controls environment in
preparation for Provision 29 of the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2024
Board in action
Links to Key Stakeholders
1
Our Customers
2
Our Carrier Partners
3
Government and Regulators
4
Our People
5
Our Shareholders
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
63
Board of Directors
continued
Evaluation, composition and succession
Board and Committee performance
During FY2026, Trainline engaged Sam Allen Associates
Ltd (‘SAA’) to facilitate an external review of the Board and
Committees’ performance. The review was undertaken to
comply with the
UK Corporate Governance Code 2024 and
to provide the Board, its Committees, the Management
Team and frequent presenters to the Board with an
opportunity to reflect on the operation and effectiveness
of the Board and its Committees.
SAA
has no other
connection to Trainline.
The review process began with initial scoping between
SAA and the Chair, the Senior Independent Non-executive
Director and the Company Secretary to set the context for
the evaluation and to tailor towards Trainline’s business.
The outcomes of the externally facilitated evaluation from
FY2025 were also considered.
Board members were invited to answer bespoke
questionnaires and to attend one-to-one meetings with
SAA
based around the performance of the Board, its
Committees’ and the Chair. In addition, feedback on the
Board was sought from the executives, regular presenters
and third-party service providers. SAA
then attended to
observe a Board & Committee meeting cycle.
The results of the evaluation were reviewed by the Board,
as a whole. The Committee performance reviews were
considered by their respective members. Overall, it was
concluded that the Board continues to operate with
clarity of purpose, strategic foresight and strong fiduciary
discipline, supported by a constructive and collaborative
culture. Overall, the Board’s performance was considered
to materially strengthen the business’ strategic direction
and its capacity to deliver long-term value.
Actions were identified and agreed by the Board and its
Committees, in particular:
continuing with knowledge-building sessions on
significant strategic matters, such as AI and cyber
risk developments from internal and external subject
matter experts; and
evolving Board and Committee papers to include
additional insights on leading indicators of performance.
Skills, knowledge and experience
As
set out on pages
61 to 62, each Director provides
a range of skills, knowledge and experience that is
relevant to the success of the Group and enables strong
independent judgement and constructive challenge. The
Board delegates the responsibility for consideration of the
existing Board skills matrix to the Nomination Committee.
The Committee ensures that it remains fit for purpose and
adequately anticipates the future needs of the business.
Board composition and succession
The Board recognises that effective succession planning is
critical to maintaining strong leadership and the delivery
of Trainline’s long-term strategy.
Appointments to the Board are made solely on merit
and, in conjunction with the Board skills matrix, to ensure
that the Board contains an appropriate balance of skills
and knowledge of the Group necessary to fulfil its duties.
Appointments are made by the Board, based upon the
recommendations made by the Nomination Committee,
with due consideration given to diversity. In compliance
with the Governance Code, at least half of the Board,
excluding the Chair, is composed of Independent Non-
executive Directors.
The Board remains responsible for its own succession
planning and it also continued to review the Executive
Director and Management Team succession plan through
updates provided during FY2026. For more information
on any succession planning processes in the year, please
read page
66.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
64
Board of Directors
continued
The Committee’s activities planned for FY2027
In
FY2027
, the Committee intends to undertake the
following key activities:
complete the CEO and Audit and Risk Committee Chair
appointment process;
continue to monitor succession planning and the
development of a diverse pipeline of talent at the Board,
Board Committee and senior management level; and
review of progress against the Group’s overall diversity
and inclusion objectives.
Brian McBride
Chair of the Nomination Committee
5
May
2026
Membership
Committee member
Meetings
Brian McBride (Chair)
*
2/2
Andy Phillipps
*
2/2
Duncan Tatton-Brown
*
2/2
Jennifer Duvalier
*
2/2
Marie Lalleman
*
2/2
Rakhi Goss-Custard
*
2/2
* Independent Director
Our responsibilities
• Monitor the composition of the Board and its
Committees, including the performance of its members
• Lead the process for Board appointments
Plan for the orderly succession of Board and
Management Team positions and oversee the
development of a diverse pipeline of talent
Role and work of the Nomination Committee
The Committee meets twice a year to consider the
Board’s skills, time commitments and conflicts of interest.
The Chair of the Committee reports to the Board to
provide oversight of the discharge of its responsibilities
throughout the year and informs the Board of any
relevant recommendations.
The Committee’s key activities during
FY2026 included:
talent and succession planning, in particular for the
CEO and the Audit and Risk Committee Chair;
the skills matrix of the existing Board and its Board
Committee membership, and the needs of the
Company in relation to execution of its overall strategy;
Director time commitments and conflicts of interest;
Trainline’s diversity and inclusion programme; and
oversight and agreement of the process for reviewing
the performance of the Board, its Committees and
individual Directors.
Brian
McBride
Chair of the
Nomination
Committee
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
65
Report of the Nomination Committee
Docusign Envelope ID: 79F42E9C-1A6A-8793-8096-AFBD2D969FE2
Succession planning
As announced, the CEO
intends to step down during
FY2027 and the Audit and Risk Committee Chair will also
step down from the Board at our forthcoming
AGM.
The Committee maintains active and ongoing succession
planning for both Non-executive and Executive Directors,
as well as the broader Management Team, including
the development of internal talent pipelines and the
identification of potential external candidates to ensure
Trainline is well positioned for future transitions. However,
for a European technology platform business such as
Trainline, it is not always possible to have immediate
“ready-now” successors for every role.
In light of the forthcoming Board changes, the Committee
implemented the planned succession process. This includes:
for the CEO, the consideration of both internal
and external candidates to ensure the strongest
possible shortlist;
the use of external search support to broaden the
candidate pool and access specialist expertise;
careful assessment of the skills and experience required
to lead the business through the next phase of growth
including: government engagement; international
expansion; and the evolving AI, data and technology
landscape; and
ensuring appropriate transition and handover
arrangements to maintain continuity and stability.
The Board is confident that these processes will support
the appointment of high-quality successors and ensure
continuity of leadership, while maintaining the right
balance of skills, experience, independence and diversity
across the Board.
Composition of the Board and its Committees
The Committee is satisfied that the Directors possess
the skills, knowledge, independence and experience
necessary to effectively fulfil their roles and that the
current composition of the Board and its Committees
is effective.
The Committee recognises that the Board does not
currently align with the Listing Rule target of
40%
or more female representation on the Board but is
confident that its policy of ensuring that candidates
from ethnically, racially and gender diverse backgrounds
are always included in shortlists for Board positions
will continue to maximise the opportunity for Board
appointments to reflect the diversity at Trainline and
in the wider community.
With Jennifer Duvalier as our Senior Independent Non-
executive Director, with at least one member of the
Board from a non-White ethnic minority background
and with three quarters of Non-executive Director
appointments since the Company’s
IPO in 2019
being
female, the Committee is confident that the existing
process in place for Board appointments will result in
alignment with the Listing Rules in full as we plan for our
longest serving Non-executive Directors to step down
from Trainline in the coming years to comply with the
UK Corporate Governance Code 2024
nine-year director
independence consideration.
Diversity and inclusion
The Committee supports Trainline’s commitment to a
diverse and inclusive workplace. Further information on
Trainline’s employee diversity initiatives is available on
pages
40 to 42.
Director reappointments, time commitments and
conflicts of interest
In accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2024
, all Directors will retire at the
forthcoming
AGM
of the Company.
The Committee reviewed external commitments for
each Director of the Board, during the year. Overall,
the Committee is satisfied that all of the Directors
have devoted sufficient time to their duties and
demonstrate great enthusiasm and commitment to
their roles. Therefore, the Board has recommended their
reappointment acting on the advice of the Committee.
Further information on the Directors’ current external
appointments can be found on pages
61 to 62.
In addition, the Committee reviewed the independence
of the Non-executive Directors and confirmed to the
Board that it considers the Chair and the Non-executive
Directors to remain independent, in accordance with the
provisions of the 2024 Code.
Board and Board Committee effectiveness evaluation
The Board and Board Committee performance review for
FY2026 was externally facilitated. More information on the
evaluation is available on page
64.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
66
Report of the Nomination Committee
continued
Duncan
Tatton-Brown
Chair of the
Audit and Risk
Committee
monitoring the effectiveness and independence of the
External Auditor, and the effectiveness of the Internal
Audit function;
considering the going concern and viability
statements; and
monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of the
Group’s internal control systems, in particular in
preparation for the application of Provision 29 of the
UK Corporate Governance Code 2024 when it comes
into effect for FY2027.
The Committee’s activities planned for FY2027
Prior to the Committee’s FY2027 report, it intends to
undertake the following activities:
support the transition of the mandatory lead audit
partner rotation for the FY2027 audit;
review the implementation of the material controls
declaration framework in preparation for disclosure in
FY2027, in compliance with Provision 29 of the 2024
Corporate Governance Code; and
monitor the preparation for disclosure against the UK
Sustainability Reporting Standards for FY2028.
Duncan Tatton-Brown
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
5
May 2026
Membership
Committee member
Meetings
Duncan Tatton-Brown
*†
(Chair)
4/4
Andy Phillipps
*
4/4
Jennifer Duvalier
*
4/4
Marie Lalleman
*
4/4
Rakhi Goss-Custard
*
4/4
* Independent Director
† Relevant financial knowledge
Our responsibilities
Monitor the integrity of the Company’s Financial
Statements and report to the Board on the Annual
Report and Financial Statements and other disclosures
Oversee the External Auditor and monitor
their independence
Monitor and review the internal control and risk
management system
Oversee the Internal Audit function and monitor
the effectiveness of its work
Review whistleblowing, fraud, bribery and other
compliance policies and procedures
I am pleased to introduce my final Audit and Risk
Committee Report for Trainline before I step down
as Chair of the Committee at the forthcoming AGM.
I would like to thank my fellow Committee members,
the wider Board, the Management Team and our
colleagues across the business for their support,
challenge and commitment throughout my time
with Trainline.
Role and work of the Audit and Risk Committee
Meetings are held to coincide with key events, in
particular the reporting and audit cycle for the Group.
The Chair of the Committee reports to the Board on
the business concluded at Committee meetings, the
discharge of its responsibilities, and informs the Board
of any recommendations made.
The Committee’s key activities during
FY2026 included:
overseeing the integrity of the Group’s financial
reporting, including accounting policies, alternative
performance measures, significant reporting issues,
judgements and estimates;
considering whether the Annual Report and Financial
Statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced
and understandable, and provide shareholders with
the information necessary to assess the Company’s
position, performance, business model and strategy;
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
67
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
Docusign Envelope ID: 6B994BE3-E7EE-8173-827B-2D5C4183F793
Fair, balanced and understandable
The Committee plays an important role in advising the
Board when it considers whether the Annual Report,
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and
provides the information necessary for shareholders to
assess the Group and the Company’s position, performance,
business model and strategy. The Annual Report is prepared
in accordance with robust processes to support this role:
coordination of the production of the Annual Report is
overseen by the Company Secretary to ensure that the
document is consistent throughout;
members of Management with appropriate experience,
knowledge and seniority are assigned responsibility for
preparing each section and form part of a core Annual
Report team;
there is an extensive verification process undertaken
each year to confirm the factual accuracy of stated facts
and the authenticity of belief statements;
drafts are regularly reviewed by the Annual Report team
and members of senior management. Board members
receive drafts of the Annual Report for review and
input; and
the Committee receives the draft Annual Report
and considers a fair, balanced and understandable
review, and also considers assurance provided on
disclosures made.
Financial Statements and reporting
The Committee monitored the financial reporting process
for the Group, which included receiving reports from,
and discussing these with, the External Auditor.
As part of the year-end reporting process the Committee
reviewed this Annual Report and considered whether it is
fair, balanced and understandable; a Management report
on accounting estimates and judgements; Management
and the External Auditor’s reports on internal controls,
accounting and reporting matters; and Management
representation letters concerning accounting and
reporting matters.
The Committee also considered the FRC’s corporate
reporting focus areas during the year and their relevance
to the Group’s reporting.
Monitoring the integrity of the Company’s Financial
Statements, the financial reporting process and reviewing
the significant accounting issues are key roles of the
Committee. Measures are in place to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting.
These include: a comprehensive system of planning,
budgeting, monitoring and reporting; clearly defined
policies for capital expenditure including reviews by senior
management; and frequent monitoring of cash flows
against forecasts. The measures provide reasonable,
though not absolute, assurance against material
misstatement or loss.
Carrying value of goodwill
The carrying value of goodwill depends on
the future cash flow forecasts supporting
the carrying value. There is inherent
estimation uncertainty in estimating the
future cash flows and the time period
over which they will occur. There is also
estimation uncertainty in arriving at an
appropriate discount rate to apply to
the cash flows as well as an appropriate
terminal growth rate. As such, this area of
estimate is a focus for the Committee.
Capitalisation of internal software
development costs
The capitalisation of development costs
involves the assessment of several different
criteria that can be subjective and/or
complex in determining whether the costs
meet the threshold for capitalisation.
As such, this is an area of focus for the
Committee.
Carrying value of investments in
subsidiaries (Parent Company only)
The carrying value of investments in
subsidiaries is assessed at year-end for
indicators of potential impairment. Where
such indicators are identified, management
exercises judgement in estimating the
recoverable amount, including the preparation
of discounted cash flow models. This involves
determining appropriate assumptions such as
the discount rate and long-term growth rate.
As such, this area is a focus for the Committee.
The Committee reviewed and discussed
Management’s conclusions around the
carrying value of goodwill, including:
the methodology applied;
the achievability of the business plan;
the appropriateness of discount
rates and long-term growth rates
applied; and
the outcome of sensitivity analysis.
The Committee agreed with Management’s
conclusions that the carrying value of
goodwill is supported by the expected
future cash flows of both the UK Consumer
and International Consumer businesses.
The Committee reviewed and discussed
Management’s conclusions around
the capitalisation of development
costs, including:
the methodology applied;
the judgements made by Management
for determining the basis for
recognition of these development
costs; and
the underpinning systems and controls.
The Committee agreed with Management’s
conclusion regarding the basis for
capitalisation of these costs.
The Committee reviewed and discussed
Management’s conclusions around the carrying
value of investments in subsidiaries including:
the methodology applied;
the achievability of the business plan;
the appropriateness of the discount rate
and long-term growth rate applied; and
the outcome of sensitivity analysis.
The Committee agreed with Management’s
conclusion that the recoverable value is
lower than the carrying value and that an
impairment of the investments in subsidiaries
balance is required.
Accounting judgements and key sources of
estimation uncertainty
The Committee assessed whether suitable accounting
policies had been adopted and the reasonableness of the
judgements and estimates that had been made
by Management.
The Committee, alongside Management and the External
Auditor, identified the areas set out in the table below as
the key areas of judgement and estimation.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
68
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
continued
Going concern and viability assessments
The Committee reviewed and advised the Board on the
Group’s going concern and viability statements included
in this Annual Report and the calculations and reports
prepared by Management in support of such statements.
The External Auditor discussed the statements with the
Committee and reviewed the conclusions reached by
Management regarding going concern and viability.
Assessing the effectiveness of the external audit
process and the External Auditor
To ensure that PwC LLP (‘PwC’) is effective in its role as
External Auditor, the Committee:
monitored the effectiveness of the digital audit
technologies introduced to the audit process and noted
the resulting efficiencies;
reviewed and approved the annual audit plan to
ensure it was consistent with the scope of the
audit engagement. In reviewing the audit plan, the
Committee discussed the areas identified by the
External Auditor as most likely to give rise to a material
financial reporting error or perceived to be of higher
risk and requiring additional audit emphasis (including
those set out in the Independent Auditor’s Report);
confirmed that the audit fee enabled PwC to conduct an
effective audit;
discussed and assessed PwC’s performance as
External Auditor;
considered the audit scope and materiality
threshold; and
met privately with PwC, including the lead audit partner,
without Management present, to discuss its remit and
any issues arising from its work.
The Committee also considered the safeguards in place
to protect the External Auditor’s independence. PwC
provided a letter of independence to the Committee
reporting that it had considered its independence in
relation to the audit and confirmed that it complies with
UK
regulatory and professional requirements and that
its objectivity is not compromised. The Committee took
this into account when considering the External Auditor’s
independence and concluded that PwC remained
independent and objective in relation to the audit.
In accordance with the FRC’s Minimum Standard for
Audit Committees, audit quality indicators (AQIs) were
presented by Management, which provide the Committee
with additional insight and information to support the
Committee’s assessment of the quality and effectiveness
of the external audit and External Auditor.
The Committee confirms that the Group complies
with the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies
Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive
Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities)
Order 2014.
Non-audit work carried out by the External Auditor
The Committee has a set policy on the provision of
non-audit services by the External Auditor. This policy is
designed to comply with the FRC guidance on the provision
of non-audit services and helps maintain the independence
and integrity of the Group’s External Auditor.
The policy sets out specific considerations around the
provision of non-audit services and requires approval by
part or all of the Committee for any proposed services
with an expected fee of more than £50,000. The CFO is
authorised to approve non-audit fees up to a cumulative
total of £50,000, giving consideration to the independence
and objectivity of the External Auditor in line with FRC
guidance. The policy requires approved non-audit fees be
disclosed to the Committee for consideration alongside
the ratio of audit to non-audit fees.
The fees paid for non-audit services during the year
ended 28 February 2026 were approved by the Committee
and amounted to £64,000, which were attributed to
half-year review services undertaken by the External
Auditor and subscriptions for business and accounting
knowledge. The ratio of audit to non-audit fees for FY2026
was 14.2. Further details of these amounts can be found
in Note 5
of the Financial Statements.
Only certain types of work, as defined by the FRC, are
explicitly permitted to be provided to the Group by PwC,
which does not include specific tax advisory services and
internal audit services. A detailed list of non-permitted
services is included in the Committee’s non-audit services
policy, which is aligned to Article
5
of Regulation (
EU
) No
537/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
A schedule of non-audit work carried out by audit firms
for the Group is provided to the Committee periodically to
provide insight on Trainline’s non-audit relationships with
audit firms and to ensure the Group has a fair choice of
suitable external auditors at the next audit tender.
External Auditor and audit fees
PwC was appointed as External Auditor to the Company
in
FY2021 and there are no current plans to undertake a
tendering process for the External Auditor in FY2027, which
must take place by FY2032. The lead audit partner for the
External Auditor is Jaskamal Sarai. The Committee will look
to support the transition of the mandatory lead audit
partner rotation for the FY2027 audit.
Ahead of the next audit tender, the new requirements set
out in the Minimum Standard for Audit Committees in
relation to the tender process will be incorporated into the
Committee’s process and tracked to ensure they are met.
The Committee was satisfied that the level of audit fees
payable in respect of the audit services provided, being
£905,784
(
FY2025: £767,351), was appropriate and that the
increases in fees related to inflationary increases and an
increased external audit scope.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
69
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
continued
Internal Audit
The Internal Audit function provides independent
assurance of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal
controls and risk management systems. The Committee
reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Charter and
the planned internal audits for FY2026.
Following each internal audit, a rated report is
produced and shared with key stakeholders and senior
management, summarising the Internal Audit function’s
assessment of the effectiveness of the relevant controls.
The Internal Audit function formally tracks the status and
resolution of any recommended action items. A summary
of the internal audit reports as well as the status of the
recommended control improvements are discussed with
the Committee.
The Committee held private meetings with the Head of
Risk and Internal Audit without Management present to
discuss the Internal Audit remit and any issues arising
from its work. As a result of these private meetings,
the updates received and the reviews undertaken, the
Committee considers the Internal Audit function to be
operating effectively and that the quality, experience and
expertise of the function is appropriate for the business.
Risk management
The Group’s risk tolerance is set by the Board and is the
level of risk it is willing to accept to sustainably achieve
its strategic objectives. The Group’s risk appetite and risk
tolerance are documented in the Group’s Risk Policy, which
is presented to the Board annually for consultation. The
Board discusses and reviews the Group’s risk appetite upon
reviewing the principal risks and the strategy for the Group.
Regular reviews of the risk appetite ensure that the
Company’s risk exposure remains appropriate in
enabling the Group to achieve its strategic objectives.
The Group has a formal Enterprise Risk Management
(
ERM) programme that guides its risk management
activities. There is a dedicated Internal Risk Committee
(
IRC) in place, chaired by the CFO and composed of senior
risk owners and stakeholders, who are responsible for
reviewing and calibrating the Group’s risk landscape and
risk mitigating activities. These reviews provide a robust
assessment of the Group’s principal and emerging risks
and take into account the risks that threaten its business
model, future performance, solvency and/or liquidity and
the Group’s strategic objectives.
The Committee, in supporting the Board in its annual
assessment of the effectiveness of the enterprise
risk management programme and internal control
processes, relies on reporting by the IRC, Management,
compliance reports and the assurance provided by the
External Auditor. Further information on the Group’s risk
management framework and its principal and emerging
risks is available on pages 32
to
37.
The Committee also receives periodic updates from the
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which help
provide additional guidance on the technology and
cybersecurity-related risks facing the business. In addition,
the Committee gains an understanding of the audit work
performed and conclusions reached by PwC over the
control environment of the Group’s critical IT systems.
During the year, the Audit and Risk Committee oversaw
Management’s programme of work to support and
embed a stronger anti-fraud culture, in preparation for
the UK
’s new corporate offence of “failure to prevent
fraud” introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate
Transparency Act 2023, which came into force on
1 September 2025. As part of the work, Management
refreshed the Group’s fraud risk assessment process
to help identify potential fraud-related risks and
where appropriate decide on mitigating actions. The
Committee agreed that the Group’s current fraud risk
mitigation processes demonstrated reasonable fraud
prevention measures.
Critical systems resilience
The Committee receives updates on disaster recovery and
business continuity plans, including critical systems and
processes. Recovery processes are subject to continuous
review with periodic updates provided to the Committee
on progress towards improvements.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
70
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
continued
Anti-bribery and corruption
Trainline adopts a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. Any of our People found to have breached the Group’s policies will face
disciplinary action which could include dismissal for gross misconduct. These policies are passed on to our supply chain, where appropriate, as part
of our procurement and contracting procedures. Corporate criminal offence procedures are in place to help prevent the facilitation of tax evasion.
Receiving corporate
hospitality and gifts
Hospitality and gifts should be refused if they could influence or appear to influence decisions made on behalf of the Group. Our People are required
to disclose, and seek approval for, gifts and hospitality offered or received. Substantial physical gifts are required to be passed on to the Group for
donation to charity or disposal.
Offering corporate
hospitality and gifts
The offering of hospitality and gifts must be fully documented, pre-approved by the relevant member of the Management Team and recorded in
the Gifts and Hospitality Register. Any gifts or hospitality proposed to be offered to government officials, politicians, political parties, regulators or
foreign public offices must be pre-approved by the Group’s Legal Team.
Facilitation payments
Facilitation payments are strictly prohibited, no matter the value, even where such payments are perceived as a common part of local business
practice or law. This prohibition also applies to those who work on behalf of the Group.
Whistleblowing
If anyone has a concern they wish to raise they can contact an independent reporting line for anonymous reporting of concerns. Promotional
activities are undertaken to promote awareness of the Whistleblowing Policy. The Committee and the Board receive reports throughout the year on
whistleblowing arrangements and activities.
Corruption
Fraud, bribery and corruption concerns should be reported in accordance with the Group’s Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery Policy. Disciplinary
action and other appropriate measures will be taken as necessary. Periodic refreshers are provided to our People to reinforce the importance of this
and other relevant policies.
Internal controls review
The Board monitors the key elements of the Group’s
internal control and risk management framework,
supported by the Committee.
Throughout the year, Internal Audit assesses the
operating effectiveness of these controls, and where
necessary works with Management to define plans to
remediate gaps and improve the operating effectiveness
of the control environment. Formal updates are provided
to the Committee on these remediation activities.
The Committee advises the Board on its review of the
effectiveness of the systems and processes including
financial, operational and compliance controls during
the year.
During FY2026, the Committee continued to receive
reports from the Internal Controls Steering Committee
on the development of the material controls disclosure
framework and engagement with the Financial Reporting
Council and external advisers on the implementation of
Provision 29 of the
UK
Corporate Governance Code 2024.
The development of the framework is now in advanced
stages, with Internal Audit having conducted a “pilot
programme” process in preparation. The Group is well
placed to begin reporting on the framework in FY2027,
in accordance with Provision 29 of the
UK
Corporate
Governance Code 2024.
Overview of our anti-bribery, corruption and whistleblowing policies and procedures:
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
71
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee
continued
In relation to the FY2024 PSP award, Trainline has
performed strongly on financial measures over the three-
year performance period, with average annual revenue
growth of 11.7
% and cumulative
EPS
adjusted for share-
based payments of 52.7
pence (
8.2
pence in the financial
year preceding the start of the performance period to
22.7
pence in
FY2026
). The share price performance has
however been disappointing and as a result the
TSR
element did not achieve threshold and will not vest.
As a
result of this performance,
44.5% of the FY2024 PSP award
for the CEO and CFO
will vest.
A
two-year holding period
will apply to the FY2024 PSP
award during which vested
shares may not be sold (save to cover tax liabilities).
When reviewing the outcome of the
FY2026
annual
bonus and the
FY2024 PSP award, the Committee
considered Trainline’s performance and the experience of
shareholders and other stakeholders including our people,
and determined that the outcomes were a fair reflection
of performance over the relevant periods and that no
discretion would be applied.
Remuneration arrangements for FY2027
The remuneration arrangements for
FY2027 will align
with the Remuneration Policy and broadly mirror those
for FY2026
, being a maximum bonus opportunity of
250%
and 200% of salary for the CEO and CFO
respectively and
a PSP award of 250% of salary for the CFO. Considering
his departure from Trainline during
FY2027, Jody will only
be eligible for the cash element of the bonus (which is
limited to 100
% of salary), prorated for service in the year.
No deferred element will be paid. Jody will also not be
eligible for an FY2027 PSP award.
Membership
Committee member
Meetings
Rakhi Goss-Custard (Chair)
*
3/3
Andy Phillipps
*
3/3
Duncan Tatton-Brown
*
3/3
Jennifer Duvalier
*
3/3
Marie Lalleman
*
3/3
* Independent Director
Our responsibilities
Develop the Group’s policy on executive remuneration
and monitor its ongoing appropriateness
Determine the levels of remuneration for Executive
Directors, the Chair and the Management Team
Review workforce remuneration and related policies
Administer the Group’s share schemes
Trainline’s performance during FY2026
Trainline has delivered a robust financial performance
in FY2026
with continued growth in profitability with
adjusted EBITDA increasing by
11
% year-on-year to
£177
million and Group revenue growth of
2%
1
. Good
progress has also been made on net ticket sales with
record sales for the fourth year in a row, continued
growth in Consumer net ticket sales in the
UK of 6% and
3%
1
(
5% on a reported basis) in International, and strong
performance in Trainline Solutions where net ticket sales
were 14%
1
(
15
% on a reported basis) higher year-on-year.
Remuneration outcomes for FY2026
For the FY2026
annual bonus financial measures
revenue performance was between target and stretch,
net ticket sales performance was above threshold and
adjusted EBITDA financial performance exceeded the
maximum target resulting in overall financial measure
achievement of
44.5
% out of
75%.
Performance against strategic measures for the
FY2026
annual bonus varied across measures but overall resulted
in an outturn achievement of
11.2
% of total bonus
opportunity, being
44.7
% of the total strategic measure
opportunity, highlighting the stretch of the targets set by
the Committee at the start of the year. As
a result of this
performance, the
CEO and CFO
achieved
55.7% of their
FY2026
annual bonus total opportunity.
The value of the
FY2026
annual bonus above
100% of
salary will be deferred into shares.
1
. constant currency year-on-year growth calculated using prior period
average €/£ exchange rate applied to current year reported numbers.
Rakhi
Goss-Custard
Chair of the
Remuneration
Committee
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
72
Directors’ remuneration report
Docusign Envelope ID: 78BAB3B0-3093-8F30-83
87-7D30A39286AE
Directors' remuneration report
continued
Remuneration arrangements for FY2027
conti
nued
Weight
ings for the annual bon
us wil
l continue to be 75% on f
inancial measures, spl
it
equal
ly between Group net ticket sa
les, revenue and adj
usted EBITDA, and 25% on
strategic objectives. For FY2027, strateg
ic object
ives w
ill focus on: engagement w
ith the
UK Government; growth in new revenue; prof
itab
ility of the International business; the
core customer experience; and organisation health,
includ
ing a refreshed people metr
ic
which prov
ides a more holistic view of the emp
loyee experience. It was determined that
a separate sustainability-linked perception meas
ure wo
uld not be incl
uded for FY2027 on
the basis that progress aga
inst Tra
inline's overa
l
l purpose of driv
ing a modal shiſt from
cars and planes to rail and coach is reflected in financial performance, in particular net
ticket sales.
For the FY2027 PSP award, performance measures will remain relative TSR, cumulative
EPS and average annual reven
ue growth, weighted eq
ual
ly.
The Committee receives updates on remuneration and related policies for the wider
workforce. Further information on these are available on pages 78 and 79, and the
Committee takes these into account when sett
ing Execut
ive Director remunerat
ion.
For FY2027, the Committee cons
iders it appropriate for Pete's salary to increase by
2.8% to £464,768, which is less than the average wider workforce
increase of 3.1%. The
Committee determined that there should be no salary increase for Jody for FY2027.
Remuneration arrangements for departing CEO
As announced on 25 Febr
uary 2026, Jody intends to step down as CEO aſter more than
six years at Trainl
ine. He w
ill rema
in
in employment and continue to lead Trainline as
CEO through the transit
ion to new leadersh
ip. The Remuneration Comm
ittee careful
ly
considered remuneration arrangements in connection w
ith Jody's departure, which are
in line w
ith the Remunerat
ion Pol
icy approved by shareholders and d
iscret
ions ava
ilable
under the relevant incentives. Full deta
ils of these arrangements are prov
ided on page 78.
Looking ahead to FY2027
Our Remuneration Policy was last approved by shareholders at the 2024 AGM and
therefore will be subject to renewal at the 2027 AGM in line with the normal three-year
cycle in the UK. In advance of this, the Committee will be reviewing the Remuneration
Policy and its
implementat
ion to ensure
it cont
inues to s
upport the Group's strategic
priorities and continues to attract and retain h
igh-cal
ibre executive talent in a
competitive market environment.
1
ue"Z:s-
aniGoss-Cust
ard
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
5 May 2026
Trainline p
ie Annual R
eport & Accounts 2026
Remuneration at a glance
Based on actual outturn as set out be
low, the CEO and the CFO
wil
l receive 47.8% and
55.7% of their respective maximum bonus, represent
ing 119.6% of salary
for the CEO
and 111.3% of salary for the CFO, and 44.5% of their
FY2024 PSP award wil
l vest.
Annual bonus outcome
Measures
Group net tick
et
sale
s
Group
rev
enue
Group adjusted
EBITDA
1
Total
Weighting
(%of
Performance targets
Actual
Resulting
FY2026
outcome
total)
Threshold
rget
Stretch
Maximum
achievement
(%of total)
25% £6,303m £6,356m £6,409m £6,500m
25%
£442m
£450m
25%
£168m
£171m
75%
£457m
£469m
£173m
£178m
£6,319m
£453m
£177m
3.8%
16.3%
24.3%
44.5% out of 75%
1. See page 141 for the defin
ition of Group adjusted EBITDA.
Strategic obj
ectiv
es
PSP awards vesting
Weighting
Resulting outcome
(%of total bonus)
(%of total bonus)
25%
11.2% out of 25%
Performance targets
Kicker award
Core award
(29%of total
(71%of total award)
award)
Threshold
Max
Max
Weighting
(20%vesting
(100%vesting
(100%vesting
Resulting
(%of
of core
of core
of kicker
Actual
outcome
Measures
total)
award)
award)
award)
achievement
(%of total)
Relative TSR vs
Upper
85th
Below
FTSE 250
1
50%
Median
quartile
percentile
median
0%
Average annual
revenue growth
2
25%
9%
11%
14%
11.7%
19.5%
Cumulative EPS
3
25%
26.6p
33.2p
40.6p
52.7p
4
25.0%
Total
100%
44.5% out of 100%
1. Excluding investment trusts.
2. For the period 1 March 2023 to 28 Februa 2026
.
3. Cumulative basic EPS w
ith the
impact of share-based payments excluded 
r the period 1 March 2023 to
28 Februa 2026.
4. Were the share buy
back to be excluded, cumu
lative EPS wou
ld have been 48.8 pence
.
0
73
The Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the
27
June
2024 AGM
and is available in full in our
FY2024
Annual Report which can be found at
www.trainlinegroup.com/investors. The summary table below sets out the individual elements of Executive Directors’ remuneration, how each element operates, the maximum
opportunity where relevant and how it will be implemented in
FY2027.
Element of pay
Purpose and link to strategy
Policy and implementation for FY2027
Fixed remuneration
Base salary
To recruit and retain high-
calibre Executive Directors.
Base salaries are determined taking into account a number of factors, including: the individual’s role, responsibilities and performance; salary
levels within comparable companies and the tech sector; and salary increases for the wider workforce.
For FY2027, Pete Wood’s salary will increase by 2.8% which is less than the wider workforce average of 3.1%, to £464,768. Jody Ford will not receive a
salary increase for FY2027 given his upcoming departure.
Pension
To provide appropriate
retirement plans.
The Executive Directors currently participate in the Company’s pension scheme, and the Company either makes contributions on their behalf
or the Executive Director can receive a cash allowance.
For FY2027, the CEO’s and CFO’s pension benefits by way of cash allowance align with the broader workforce, at c.5.5% of salary.
Benefits
To ensure that the overall
package is competitive.
Benefits include private medical and dental insurance for the individual and their immediate family, and life assurance. Other benefits may be
provided based on individual circumstances and business requirements.
Variable pay
Annual bonus
and DSBP
To incentivise and reward
the achievement of annual
financial and non-financial
targets, in line with the
Company’s strategic priorities.
To directly align the interests
of Executive Directors and
shareholders and support
retention through long-term
deferral in shares.
The annual bonus is reviewed at the beginning of each year to ensure that the bonus opportunity, performance measures, targets and weightings
are appropriate. The level of payout is determined by the Committee after the year end, based on performance against targets and any additional
factors it deems relevant. Any annual bonus earned above a threshold of 100% of salary will be deferred in shares over a period of two years with
half of the deferred shares vesting after one year. The maximum bonus opportunity is 250% of salary for the CEO and up to 200% of salary for other
Executive Directors. Malus and clawback provisions apply for a period of two years from date of payment in respect of the cash bonus, and for a
period of five years from date of grant in respect of awards under the DSBP.
For FY2027, awards of up to 250% of salary for the CEO and 200% of salary for the CFO are based on the achievement of Group financial targets
(weighted 75% of maximum) and strategic objectives (weighted 25%). Financial measures include a four-point performance structure of entry,
target, stretch and a maximum target. Strategic measures will be assessed based on performance between threshold and stretch objectives. For
FY2027, given his departure from the business, Jody Ford will only be eligible for the cash element of the bonus (which is limited to 100% of salary,
prorated for service in the year).
PSP
To incentivise and reward
the delivery of long-term
shareholder value and the
achievement of long-term
financial targets.
Awards are made annually, with vesting dependent on the achievement of performance conditions. Awards are reviewed prior to grant to ensure
that the award level, performance measures, targets and weightings are appropriate. Awards normally vest based on performance measured over
a minimum of three years. The level of vesting is determined by the Committee after the performance period, based on the degree to which the
performance conditions have been met. In adjudicating the final vesting outcome, the Committee will also consider the underlying performance of
the business, as well as the value created for shareholders. A two-year holding period will apply to vested PSP awards during which vested shares
may not be sold save to cover tax liabilities. The maximum annual award level is up to 300% of salary for the CEO and up to 250% of salary for other
Executive Directors. Malus and clawback provisions apply for a period of five years from date of grant in respect of awards under the PSP.
For FY2027, an award of 250% of salary for the CFO is based on average annual revenue growth, cumulative EPS and relative TSR with measures
weighted equally. Jody Ford will not receive an FY2027 PSP award.
Share
Incentive
Plan (SIP)
To encourage employee share
ownership and further support
shareholder alignment.
The Company operates an HMRC-approved plan that provides all employees with a tax-efficient way of purchasing Partnership Shares and allows
the grant of Free and/or Matching Shares. Executive Directors are entitled to participate in the SIP on the same terms as other employees.
Malus and clawback: The circumstances in which malus and clawback can be applied are outlined in the Remuneration Policy. The Committee considers that the malus and clawback time horizons (as outlined above) are appropriate
considering the nature and risk profile of the business and the incentive time horizons, and provide sufficient time for any potential malus and clawback event to arise. There was no application of malus and clawback in the reporting
period in relation to Executive Directors.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
74
Remuneration policy overview
The following section sets out our Annual Report on Remuneration and outlines decisions made by the
Committee in relation to Directors’ remuneration in respect of FY2026 and how the Committee intends to apply
the Remuneration Policy in FY2027.
The Directors’ Remuneration Report, other than page
74
, will be subject to an advisory
shareholder vote at the
AGM to be held on 18
June
2026. Where information has been
audited, this has been stated. All other information in this report is unaudited.
Shareholder voting
The table below sets out the voting outcome for the Directors’ Remuneration Report at
the 2025 AGM
and the Remuneration Policy vote at the
2024 AGM.
Votes for
Votes against
Votes withheld
No. of shares (m)
Percentage
No. of shares (m)
Percentage
No. of shares (m)
Remuneration Report
316.4
96.56%
11.3
3.44%
10.1
Remuneration Policy
266.0
81.72%
59.5
18.28%
61.3
Implementation of the Remuneration Policy in FY2026
Single figure of total remuneration for Executive Directors (Audited)
The Committee considered that the Remuneration Policy operated as intended during
the year and no discretion was applied in relation to
FY2026
remuneration outcomes.
Context for
FY2026
remuneration outcomes is available on page
72.
Financial
year
Salary
(‘000)
Pension
(‘000)
Benefits
(‘000)
Total
fixed
(‘000)
Annual
bonus
(‘000)
Share
vest
(‘000)
Total
variable
(‘000)
Total
remuneration
(‘000)
Jody
Ford
FY2026
£726
£40
£3
£769
£870
1
£883
2
£1,753
£2,522
FY2025
£695
£38
£3
£737
£1,262
£2,501
3
£3,763
3
£4,500
3
Peter
Wood
FY2026
£451
£25
£3
£478
£503
£569
2
£1,072
£1,551
FY2025
£433
£24
£2
£459
£627
£1,324
3
£1,951
3
£2,410
3
1
. This includes the cash element in full and the first tranche of the deferred award. The first tranche of the deferred
award will only be delivered if Jody remains in service until December
2026 or if he is asked to step aside before
then. Jody will not receive the second tranche of the deferred award. If Jody were not stepping down, his annual
bonus outcome would have been £
1,012,825.
2. The PSP
awards expected to vest on
12 May 2026
multiplied by the average share price for the three months
ending 28
February
2026 being £2.113
. The share price used at grant was £
2.406. As
the three-month average
share price is less than the share price at grant, none of the value above relates to share price appreciation.
3. In the FY2025
Annual Report, the value of the shares vesting for Jody Ford and Peter Wood was calculated by
reference to the average share price for the three months ending
28
February
2025 being £3.853
. These figures
have now been restated by reference to the share price on the date of vesting being £
2.639.
Executive Director base salary
During
FY2026
, as disclosed in last year’s Annual Report, the Committee approved an
increase for Jody Ford’s salary as
CEO to £728,000
(
FY2025
: £
700,000
) and an increase
for Pete Wood’s salary as
CFO to £452,109
(
FY2025
: £
434,720).
Pension and benefits
During
FY2026
, Jody Ford and Pete Wood received pension benefits by way of cash
allowances equal to
5.5
% of salary respectively. This pension allowance aligns with
that for the wider workforce. Benefits can include life assurance and medical and
dental insurance benefits for the Executive Directors and their immediate families.
The overall level of benefits will depend on the cost of providing individual items
and the individual’s circumstances.
Single figure of total remuneration for Non-executive Directors (Audited)
Financial year
Fees (‘000)
Taxable benefits (‘000)
Total fees (‘000)
Andy Phillipps
FY2026
£88
£0
£88
FY2025
£75
£0
£75
Brian McBride
FY2026
£280
£0
£280
FY2025
£265
£0
£265
Duncan Tatton-Brown
FY2026
£95
£0
£95
FY2025
£85
£0
£85
Jennifer Duvalier
FY2026
£98
£0
£98
FY2025
£85
£0
£85
Rakhi Goss-Custard
FY2026
£95
£0
£95
FY2025
£85
£0
£85
Marie Lalleman
FY2026
£88
£0
£88
FY2025
£75
£0
£75
Non-executive Director fees
During
FY2026
, the Committee reviewed the Board Chair fee given it had remained
unchanged since our
IPO in 2019
and taking into account the time commitment of the
role and market practice in similarly sized
FTSE 250
companies. Overall it was determined
that the Board Chair fee should be increased to £
287,000
(
FY2025
: £
265,000
). The Board
also undertook a review of
NED
fees and approved an increase in the basic
NED fee to
£65,000
(
FY2025
: £
60,000
) and an increase to the Committee Member fee to £
10,000
(
FY2025
: £
5,000).
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
75
Annual report on remuneration
Annual bonus (Audited)
The maximum bonus opportunities for
FY2026 were 250% of salary for Jody Ford as
CEO and 200% of salary for Pete Wood as CFO
. The annual bonus is based on the
achievement of Group financial targets weighted
75
% and a set of specific strategic
objectives weighted
25
%. Achievement of threshold, target, stretch and maximum
performance target results in a
0%, 50%, 90% and 100
% of maximum payment
respectively. Performance targets and actual outturn are set out below.
Financial element
Measures
Weighting
(% of total)
Performance targets
Actual
FY2026
achievement
Resulting
outcome (%
of total)
Threshold
Target
Stretch
Maximum
Group net
ticket sales
25%
£6,303m
£6,356m
£6,409m
£6,500m
£6,319m
3.8%
Group revenue
25%
£442m
£450m
£457m
£469m
£453m
16.3%
Group adjusted
EBITDA
1
25%
£168m
£171m
£173m
£178m
£177m
24.3%
Total
75%
44.5% out of 75%
1. See page 142
for the definition of Group adjusted EBITDA
.
Strategic element
Measure
Weighting
(% of total)
Key progress during FY2026
Actual
FY2026
achievement
Resulting
outcome
(% of total)
Government
engagement
13%
Assertive approach to
secure key level playing
field changes, in particular
commitment to access to
Delay Repay
Target
substantially
achieved
8.5%
Enhance customer
experience and build
demand
8%
International profitability
target was achieved.
International NTS growth
threshold target was not
achieved
Threshold
2.7%
Purpose linked and
culture
4%
Recognition of Trainline as
a sustainable brand and
culture threshold targets
were missed
Below
threshold
0%
Total
25%
11.2% out of 25%
The Company considers the individual strategic elements to be commercially sensitive.
Annual bonus (Audited)
continued.
The resulting bonus outcomes for
FY2026
for the Executive Directors are set out below.
Annual bonus outcome
(% of maximum)
Annual bonus outcome
(% of salary)
Annual bonus
outcome (‘000)
Jody Ford
47.8%
119.6%
£870,413
1
Pete Wood
55.7%
111.3%
£503,195
1
. This includes the cash element in full and the first tranche of the deferred award. The first tranche of the deferred
award will only be delivered if Jody remains in service until December
2026 or if he is asked to step aside before
then. Jody will not receive the second tranche of the deferred award. If Jody were not stepping down, his annual
bonus outcome would have been £
1,012,825 being 55.7
% of maximum annual bonus outcome and
139.1% of
salary.
100
% of salary will be paid in cash, and the balance, being £
142,413
(
19.6% of salary) for
Jody Ford and £51,086
(
11.3
% of salary) for Pete Wood, will be paid in deferred bonus
shares under the DSBP
.
Deferred Share Bonus Plan (DSBP) awards to be granted in FY2027 (Audited)
DSBP
awards in relation to the FY2026
annual bonus will be granted in
FY2027. The
DSBP
awards will be subject to a two-year deferral period with half of the deferred shares
vesting after one year subject to continued employment. Jody Ford is only eligible to
receive the first tranche of his deferred award.
DSBP share awards granted in FY2026 (Audited)
The CEO and CFO
were granted conditional share awards under the DSBP as set out in
the table below:
Date of
grant
No. of
shares
granted
Share price
at grant
1
Face value
Award as %
of salary
2
Vesting date
3
Jody Ford
4
7 May 2025
209,049
£2.688
£0.56m
80.3%
12 May 2027
Pete Wood
7 May 2025
71,515
£2.688
£0.19m
44.2%
12 May 2027
1
. The closing
MMQ on the day of grant.
2
. Calculated using
FY2025 salary.
3
. Half of the DSBP award vests one year after grant with the remaining half vesting two years after grant.
4. Jody will retain this
DSBP award following his departure.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
76
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Share awards vesting (Audited)
PSP
awards granted during
FY2024 to the CEO and CFO
will vest on
12 May 2026.
Achievement against the performance targets is set out in the table below.
Measures
Performance targets
Core award
(71% of total award)
Kicker award
(29% of total award)
Weighting
(% of total)
Threshold
(20% vesting of
core award)
Max
(100% vesting
of core award)
Max
(100% vesting of
kicker award)
Actual
achievement
Resulting
outcome
(% of total)
Relative
TSR vs
FTSE 250
1
50%
Median
Upper
quartile
85th percentile
Below
median
0%
Average
annual
revenue
growth
2
25%
9%
11%
14%
11.7%
19.5%
Cumulative
EPS
3
25%
26.6p
33.2p
40.6p
52.7p
4
25%
Total
100%
44.5% out of 100%
1
. Excluding investment trusts.
2. For the period 1
March
2023 to 28
February
2026.
3
. Cumulative basic
EPS
with the impact of share-based payments excluded for the period
1
March
2023 to
28
February
2026.
4
. Were the share buyback to be excluded, cumulative
EPS
would have been
48.8
pence.
No. of shares vesting
Estimate value of
shares vesting (‘000)
1
Jody Ford
417,912
£883,048
Pete Wood
269,371
£569,181
1
. Calculated using the three-month average closing
MMQ to 28
February
2026 being £2.113.
The Committee noted the ongoing share buyback and after taking into account the
overall materiality of the buyback and that it did not impact on the vesting outcome, the
Committee determined that no adjustment should apply to the vesting of the
PSP award.
In line with the Remuneration Policy, the vested shares for Jody and Pete will be subject
to a two-year holding period. DSBP
awards granted in relation to the FY2023 and FY2024
bonuses vested
12 May 2025. Jody and Pete sold 74,338 and 10,405
shares respectively
to satisfy tax and other associated costs and retained the remaining shares to align with
the shareholding guideline.
PSP share awards granted in FY2026 (Audited)
The CEO and CFO
were granted conditional share awards under the
PSP
as set out in the
table below:
Date
of grant
Number
of shares
granted
Share price
at grant
1
Face value
Award as %
of salary
Vesting
date
Jody Ford
7 May 2025
769,854
£2.8369
£2.18m
300%
7 May 2028
Pete Wood
7 May 2025
398,417
£2.8369
£1.13m
250%
7 May 2028
1
. Calculated using the average of the closing
MMQ on the 30
days immediately preceding the grant.
Vesting of the awards will be subject to performance over the three-year period
1
March
2025 to 29
February
2028
for revenue and
EPS
performance, and
TSR
performance will
be measured over the three-year vesting period, with any shares vesting subject to a
two-year post-vesting holding period. Dividend equivalents will accrue in respect of the
awards over the period from the date of grant to the vesting date.
The vesting of the award will be based on the following targets:
Performance targets
Measure
Weighting
Threshold
(20%
vesting)
Stretch
(80%
vesting)
Maximum
(100%
vesting)
Relative TSR vs FTSE 250
1
33.3%
Median
75th
percentile
80th
percentile
Average annual revenue growth
33.3%
3%
5%
7%
Cumulative EPS
2
33.3%
58.2p
64.6p
69.7p
1
. Excluding investment trusts.
2. The EPS
measure is cumulative basic
EPS
with the impact of share-based payments excluded.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
77
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Remuneration arrangements for departing CEO
As
announced on
25
February
2026
, Jody Ford intends to step down as Chief Executive
Officer after more than six years at the Company. He will remain in employment
and continue to lead Trainline as
CEO
through the transition to new leadership.
The Remuneration Committee carefully considered remuneration arrangements in
connection with Jody’s departure, which are in line with the Remuneration Policy
approved by shareholders and discretions available under the relevant incentives.
Jody will continue to receive his salary, pension and benefits whilst in employment.
To the extent he ceases to be employed during his notice period, a
PILON
would
be made in relation to the remaining portion of his 12
-month notice period. Any
PILON
would be paid in monthly instalments and would be subject to mitigation.
Jody will retain his outstanding
FY2024 and FY2025
DSBP awards in full.
As noted
elsewhere in this report, he will also remain eligible for the first tranche of his
FY2026
DSBP award provided he remains in service until December
2026 or if he is asked to
step aside before then. These awards will remain subject to their original terms and
conditions in respect of vesting time horizons and malus and clawback provisions.
Jody will also retain his FY2025 and FY2026 PSP
awards if he remains in service for at
least half of their respective performance period. The awards will be prorated to reflect
time in role and would remain subject to their original terms and conditions in respect
of time horizons, performance conditions and malus and clawback provisions. He will
retain outstanding
PSP
awards which remain in a holding period in full. No
FY2027 PSP
award will be made.
Following cessation of his employment, Jody will be required to maintain a holding in
Trainline shares at a level equal to the lower of the in-post shareholding guideline of
250
% of salary and his actual shareholding for a period of two years from the date he
ceases to be a Director.
Payments for loss of office (Audited)
No payments for loss of office were made during the year under review (
FY2025
: none).
Payments to past Directors (Audited)
No payments were made to past Directors during the year under review (
FY2025
: none).
Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the change in total employee pay alongside revenue and Group
adjusted EBITDA as these are two key measures of Group performance. No dividends
have occurred since Listing.
Measure
% change
FY2026
FY2025
Total employee pay
1
(5)%
£120m
£127m
Share buybacks
71%
£152m
£89m
Revenue
2%
£453m
£442m
Group adjusted EBITDA
2
11%
£177m
£159m
1. See Note 6
to the Financial Statements. The decrease in total employee pay in
FY2026
is predominantly due to the
lower share-based payments expense incurred following the vesting of all-employee share awards attributable
to FY2025
. Total wages and salaries remained flat year-on-year as general employee pay rises were offset by a
decreased headcount.
2. See page 141
for the definition of Group adjusted EBITDA
.
Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group
Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group are based on the same high-level
remuneration principles as for the Executive Directors. Annual salary reviews take into
account personal performance, Group performance, local pay and market conditions,
and salary levels for similar roles in comparable companies.
During
FY2026
, all employees who were with the Group before November
2022 had
share awards vest during the year to reward them for their contribution to achieving
Trainline’s ambitious long-term growth targets over the three-financial-year period to
and including
FY2025
. In addition, a cash award of between £
700 and £1,500 was made
in December
2025
to those who would not normally be eligible to receive a bonus to
thank those more junior members of our People for their role in the success of Trainline
during
FY2026
, and in February
2026
all employees received a £
300
voucher to book a
leisure rail journey. Furthermore,
SIP Free Share awards and either RSP or PSP awards,
depending upon their seniority, were granted to all employees to align them with
shareholders over the next three financial years.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
78
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Consideration of wider employee views and shareholders
The Committee Chair and the designated Non-executive Director for Workforce
Engagement provide insight on the wider workforce for the Committee to consider via
their direct engagement with employees on remuneration. In addition, the Committee
receives updates from Management on the Group’s reward objectives, relevant external
measures such as benchmark data and the sentiment of the wider workforce.
These updates are carefully considered when determining remuneration for Executive
Directors; for example, the Committee considers the salary increases for the wider
workforce when determining the salary increases for Executive Directors. The Committee
does not currently engage directly with the wider workforce on how executive
remuneration aligns with the wider workforce pay policy, although the approach to
workforce engagement is kept under review. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring
open dialogue with shareholders in relation to remuneration.
Total pay ratio
The table below discloses the ratio between the
CEO
’s total remuneration and that of the
25th, 50th and 75th percentile
UK
-based employee.
Method
25th
percentile
pay ratio
50th
percentile
pay ratio
75th
percentile
pay ratio
FY2026
A
45.8:1
27.6:1
21.1:1
FY2025
1
A
91.9:1
48.5:1
39.4:1
FY2024
A
53.1:1
30.7:1
25.6:1
FY2023
A
38.0:1
22.8:1
17.4:1
FY2022
A
41.3:1
22.1:1
17.0:1
FY2021
A
14.4:1
8.4:1
6.3:1
FY2020
2
A
32.1:1
19.6:1
14.3:1
1. Restated from the FY2025
Annual Report to incorporate the value at vest of the
FY2023 PSP
which vested
7 May 2025.
2
. The figures for
FY2020
are for the ten months from Admission to the end of the financial year.
The 25th, 50th and 75th percentile employees were determined using calculation
methodology A
which involved calculating the actual full-time equivalent remuneration
for all UK employees employed on 28
February
2026 for 1
March
2025 to 28
February
2026
. From this analysis, three employees were then identified as representing the 25th,
50th and 75th percentile of the
UK
employee population. Trainline chose this method
as it is the preferred approach of the Government and that of shareholders, and the
Company had the systems in place to undertake this method.
For FY2026
, the total pay and benefits for the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile were £55k,
£91k and £120k respectively, and the base salaries were £43k, £85k and £97k.
The Committee has considered the pay data for the three employees identified and
believes that they and the median pay ratio are consistent with and fairly reflect pay,
reward and progression for these percentiles amongst our
UK
workforce taken as a
whole. The total pay ratio is based on comparing the
CEO
’s pay to that of Trainline’s
UK
-based workforce, the largest proportion of whom work in our Technology teams.
The ratios for the three percentile employees, all of whom were full-time employees
during the year, broadly aligns with those in
FY2024
and has declined significantly
from those in FY2025
, the increase in which was driven primarily by the vesting of the
enhanced
FY2023 PSP
award which comprised the majority of the
CEO
’s remuneration
opportunity, consistent with market practice. The Committee expects that the ratios
will continue to be largely driven by the
CEO
’s incentive pay outcomes, which will likely
lead to greater variability in pay than that observed for employees at lower levels who,
consistent with market practices, have a greater proportion of their pay linked to fixed
components. The Committee takes into account these ratios when making decisions
around the Executive Director pay packages.
Advisers
Deloitte LLP
(‘Deloitte’) has continued to advise the Committee during
FY2026. Deloitte
was appointed by the Committee in FY2023
following a comprehensive tender process
of leading remuneration committee advisers. Deloitte also provides internal audit co-
source services to the Group. Deloitte attends Committee meetings, reports directly
to the Committee Chair, and is a signatory and adheres to the Code of Conduct for
Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.
com). The Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by Deloitte is objective and
independent and there are no conflicts of interest. Deloitte was paid fees of £
38,850 for
its services to the Committee during the year, excluding expenses and
VAT
, in accordance
with its letter of engagement. Fees are charged on a time and materials basis.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
79
Annual report on remuneration
continued
06/2019
02/2020
08/2021
08/2022
08/2023
08/2024
02/2025
08/2025
02/2026
08/2020
02/2021
02/2022
02/2023
02/2024
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Trainline
FTSE 250 Index
Historical TSR performance and remuneration outcomes for the CEO
The table below illustrates the
CEO
single figure of total remuneration over the period from commencement of conditional dealing (
21
June
2019) to 28
February
2026.
FY2026
Jody Ford
FY2025
Jody Ford
FY2024
Jody Ford
FY2023
Jody Ford
FY2022
Jody Ford
FY2021
Clare Gilmartin
FY2020
1
Clare Gilmartin
Single figure (‘000)
£2,522
£4,500
2
£2,483
£1,715
£1,568
£588
£920
Annual bonus outcome (% of max)
47.8%
72.1%
84.7%
89.4%
83.4%
0%
57.6%
PSP vesting (% of max)
44.5%
88%
45%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
1
. The figures for
FY2020
are for the ten months from Admission to the end of the financial year.
2. In the FY2025
Annual Report, the value of the shares vesting for Jody Ford was calculated by reference to the average share price for the three months ending
28
February
2025 being £3.853
. These figures have now been restated by
reference to the share price on the date of vesting being £
2.6385.
The graph below compares the Company’s
TSR against the FTSE 250
Index excluding investment trusts, of which the Company is a constituent. Performance, as required by
legislation, is measured by
TSR
over the period from commencement of conditional dealing (
21
June
2019) to 28
February
2026.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
80
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Implementation of the Remuneration Policy in FY2027
Executive Director remuneration in FY2027
A
summary of how the Remuneration Policy will be applied to Executive Director
remuneration for
FY2027
is set out below.
Base salary
The current Executive Director salaries are set out in the table below. The Committee
determined that the CEO
would not receive a salary increase and the
CFO
would receive
a 2.8
% increase, which is less than the
3.1
% average increase awarded to the wider
workforce.
Executive Director
FY2027
FY2026
Jody Ford
£728,000
£728,000
Pete Wood
£464,768
£452,109
Pension and benefits
For FY2027, the CEO and the CFO
will receive pension benefits by way of cash allowances
of 5.5
% of salary respectively. Benefits can include life assurance and medical and dental
insurance benefits for the Executive Directors and their immediate families.
Annual bonus
The maximum
FY2027
annual bonus opportunities will be
250% and 200% of salary for
the CEO and the CFO
, respectively, consisting of Group financial targets (weighted
75%
of maximum) and specific strategic objectives (weighted
25
% of maximum). Jody will only
be eligible to receive the cash element of the
FY2027
annual bonus achieved, being no
more than 100% of salary, prorated for the portion of FY2027
of which he is in service.
Financial measures are unchanged from prior year and include Group net ticket sales
(
25
%), Group revenue (
25
%) and Group adjusted EBITDA (
25
%). Strategic objectives will
focus on: engagement with the
UK
Government; growth in new revenue; profitability
of the International business; the core customer experience; and organisation health,
including a refreshed People metric which provides a more holistic view of the employee
experience. It was determined that a separate sustainability-linked measure would not
be included for
FY2027
on the basis that progress against Trainline's overall purpose
of driving a modal shift from cars and planes to rail and coach is reflected in financial
performance, in particular net ticket sales.
Financial measures will have a four-point performance structure of entry (
0
% payout), target
(
50
% payout), stretch (
90
% payout) and a maximum target (
100
% payout) requiring
delivery of outperformance above the stretch targets. Strategic measures will be
assessed based on performance between threshold and stretch objectives.
The Company considers the specific performance targets and strategic measures to
be commercially sensitive but intends to disclose performance against them in the
FY2027
Annual Report. The Committee will ensure any payout of the
FY2027
annual
bonus is consistent with the stakeholder experience over the period, taking into account
perspectives of shareholders, employees and customers.
Long-term incentive
The CFO
will receive an award under the
PSP
with a maximum opportunity of
250%
of salary. Vesting will be based on the measures and targets as summarised in the
table below.
The Committee sets the level of stretch within the targets with reference to internal and
external reference points, taking into account the perceived level of risk included within
internal forecasts. For the
FY2027 PSP
award, the annual revenue growth performance
targets are lower than the FY2026
equivalent reflecting the
UK
Government’s announced
fare freeze in
FY2027, TOCs
continuing to self-preference their own retail channels
and a more focused and phased approach to International marketing spend. Further
information on these factors is available on pages
29 to 31.
Revenue and
EPS
performance will be measured over the three-year period
1
March
2026 to 28
February
2029 and TSR
performance will be measured over the three-year
vesting period, expected for this award to be early-May
2026
to early-May
2029.
The Committee considers the performance targets to be appropriately stretching. The
Committee does, however, retain the discretion to adjust the final vesting outcome if it
does not consider that this reflects the underlying performance of the business, or the
value created for shareholders.
Performance targets
Measure
Weighting
Threshold
(20% vesting)
Stretch
(80% vesting)
Maximum
(100% vesting)
Relative TSR vs FTSE 250
1
33.3%
Median
75th
percentile
80th
percentile
Average annual revenue growth
33.3%
2%
4%
6%
Cumulative EPS
2
33.3%
67.4p
74.9p
84.7p
1
. Excluding investment trusts.
2. The EPS
measure is cumulative basic
EPS
with the impact of share-based payments excluded.
Dividend equivalents will accrue in respect of the awards over the period from the date
of grant to the vesting date.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
81
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Percentage change in Directors’ and employees’ remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in individual Directors’ salary, benefits and annual bonus compared to the average percentage change for all employees of the Group
for the same elements of remuneration.
Salary/fees (FY % change)
1
Benefits (FY % change)
Annual bonus (FY % change)
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
FY2023
FY2022
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
FY2023
FY2022
FY2026
FY2025
FY2024
FY2023
FY2022
Executive Directors
Jody Ford
4.3%
8.3%
6.8%
4.9%
15%
5.1%
8.0%
6.6%
4%
12%
(31.0)%
15.5%
1.3%
13%
100%
Pete Wood
2
4.0%
4.5%
3.7%
n/a
n/a
5.2%
4.3%
0.8%
n/a
n/a
(19.7)%
18.7%
1.7%
n/a
n/a
Non-executive Directors
Andy Phillipps
17.8%
0%
0%
25%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Brian McBride
5.5%
0%
0%
0%
6%
3
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Duncan Tatton-Brown
11.8%
0%
0%
13%
5%
3
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Jennifer Duvalier
15.7%
0%
0%
21%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Marie Lalleman
4
17.8%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Rakhi Goss-Custard
5
11.8%
0%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Employees
6.3%
4.8%
13%
5%
8%
13.0%
10.8%
10%
5%
26%
21.0%
0.1%
(19)%
24%
100%
1
. Salary increases are applied from
1
April and therefore the financial year percentage change includes part of the prior year salary increase.
2
. Joined the Board as
CFO on 16
December
2022.
3
. In recognition of the uncertainty generated by
COVID
-
19
, the Director voluntarily reduced their salary/fee from April
2020
to August
2020.
4
. Joined the Board on
17
January
2024.
5
. Joined the Board on
30
June
2022.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
82
Annual report on remuneration
continued
Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests (Audited)
The table below shows the beneficial interests of Directors on
28
February
2026
(including the beneficial interests of their spouses, civil partners, children and stepchildren) in the
ordinary shares of the Company, as well as unvested share awards. There have been no changes to the share interests of the continuing Directors between the year end and the
date of this report.
Director
Ordinary
shares held at
1 Mar 2025
Ordinary
shares held at
28 Feb 2026
Subject to
continued
employment
Unvested and
subject to
performance
conditions
Shareholding
requirement
as % of salary
Current
shareholding
as % of salary
1
Shareholding
requirement met?
Executive Directors
Jody Ford
370,445
955,294
278,789
2,369,791
250%
277%
Yes
Pete Wood
53,448
330,536
91,682
2
1,345,676
250%
154%
No
Non-executive Directors
Andy Phillipps
74,237
74,237
Brian McBride
93,254
93,254
Duncan Tatton-Brown
63,981
63,981
Jennifer Duvalier
4,587
4,587
Marie Lalleman
4,950
4,950
Rakhi Goss-Custard
8,798
8,798
1
. Calculated using the average share price for the three months up to and including
28
February
2026, being £2.113 per share.
2
. Includes
SIP Free Share awards.
Executive Director shareholding guidelines
Shareholding guidelines are in place whereby Executive Directors are encouraged to build
and maintain over time a shareholding in the Company with a value equivalent to at least
250% of their base salary.
Executive Directors are subject to a post-employment shareholding guideline. Executive
Directors will normally be expected to maintain a holding of Trainline shares at a level
equal to the lower of the in-post shareholding guideline and the individual’s actual
shareholding for a period of two years from the date the individual ceases to be a
Director. The specific application of this shareholding guideline will be at the Committee’s
discretion. The post-employment guideline will be policed through the holding of vested
PSP
awards and through the monitoring of shareholdings by the Company.
The Committee retains the discretion to vary the shareholding guidelines in
appropriate circumstances.
Executive Directors’ service contracts and termination remuneration policy
The Executive Directors have service contracts with an indefinite term, which are
terminable by either the Company or the Executive Director on
12
months’ notice.
The service contracts make provision, at the Board’s discretion, for early termination
involving payment of salary, benefits and pension contributions in lieu of notice.
Payment in lieu of notice can be paid either as a lump sum or in equal monthly
instalments over the notice period and will normally be subject to mitigation. Effective
dates of Executive Director service contracts are
21 September 2020 for Jody Ford and
16
December
2022
for Peter Wood and the service contracts are available for inspection
at the Company’s registered office.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
83
Annual report on remuneration
continued
The Board has included certain requirements from the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’)
within the Strategic Report, in accordance with section 414C(11) of the Act, that would
otherwise be required within the Directors’ Report. The Strategic Report (found on pages
2 to 56) together with this Directors’ Report (pages 85 to 87), form the management
report for the purposes of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Disclosure Guidance
and Transparency Rules (DTR) 4.1.8R.
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024
This Annual Report has been prepared with reference to the UK Corporate Governance
Code 2024 published by the UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in January 2024 (the
‘Governance Code’). During the year, the Company applied the principles and complied
with the relevant provisions set out in the Governance Code. Details demonstrating how
the principles and relevant provisions of the Governance Code have been applied can be
found below in the Directors’ Report and throughout the Corporate Governance Report,
the Board Committee reports and the Strategic Report. The Corporate Governance
Report, the Board Committee reports and the Strategic Report for their Corporate
Governance disclosures all form part of this Directors’ Report.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is responsible for the publication and periodic
review of the Governance Code, which can be found on the FRC website: www.frc.org.uk.
Events after the balance sheet date
There have been no post balance sheet events.
Insurance and indemnities
The Company maintained Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance cover throughout
the period. The Directors are also able to obtain independent legal advice at the expense
of the Company, as necessary, in their capacity as Directors. The Company has entered
into a deed of indemnity in favour of each Board member. These deeds of indemnity are
still in force and provide that the Company shall indemnify the Directors to the fullest
extent permitted by law and the Articles, in respect of all losses arising out of, or in
connection with, the execution of their powers, duties and responsibilities as Directors
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. This is in line with current market practice
and helps us attract and retain high-quality, skilled Directors.
Subsidiaries and branches
The Company is the holding company for a group of subsidiaries (the ‘Group’), whose
principal activities are described in this Annual Report. The Group’s subsidiaries and
their locations are set out in Note 22 to the Financial Statements.
Trainline.
com Limited established a branch in Italy during the course of the financial
year. There were no additional branches of the Company or other subsidiaries in
operation during the financial year.
Disclosure of information to auditors
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Annual Report confirm
that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which
the Company’s External Auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps
that he or she ought to have taken as a Director to make himself or herself aware of
any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s External Auditor is
aware of that information.
Diversity and inclusion
Our diversity and inclusion policies support managers and employees in creating a
diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome. Our policies demonstrate
our commitment to providing equal opportunities to all employees, irrespective of age,
disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion
or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Trainline provides equal opportunities to all job applicants and provides full and fair
consideration of applications from people with disabilities, having regard to their
particular aptitudes and abilities. We assess each candidate based on their individual
skills and qualifications, while also considering the accommodations that we can
reasonably provide to support their success in the role. For current employees who
become disabled, we make every effort to provide the necessary training and support to
enable them to continue their employment with us. Our commitment to equal treatment
extends to training, career development and promotion opportunities, which are offered
on an equal basis as far as possible to both disabled and non-disabled people.
The Directors present their report, together with the audited Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2026.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
85
Directors’ report
Articles of Association and powers of the Directors
The Company’s Articles of Association contain the rules relating to the powers of the
Company’s Directors, their appointment and replacement. The Company’s Articles
of Association may only be amended by special resolution at a general meeting of
the shareholders. Subject to the Company’s Articles of Association, the Act and any
directions given by special resolution, the business of the Company will be managed by
the Board, which may exercise all the powers of the Company, whether relating to the
management of the business of the Company or not.
Capital allocation policy
Trainline’s primary use of capital is to invest behind its strategic priorities to drive
organic growth and deliver attractive and sustainable rates of return. The Group may
supplement that with inorganic investment, should it help accelerate delivery of the
Group’s strategic growth priorities. Trainline will also continue to manage debt leverage,
including retaining a prudent and appropriate level of liquidity headroom should
unforeseen circumstances arise. Any surplus capital thereafter may be returned to
shareholders, including through the repurchase of Trainline’s shares.
Share capital
Details of the Company’s issued share capital, including changes during the period, are
given in Note 17 to the Financial Statements. There are no restrictions on voting rights
or the transfer of shares in the Company, and the Company is not aware of agreements
between holders of securities that result in such restrictions. No shareholder holds
securities carrying special rights with regards to control of the Company.
At the 2025 AGM, shareholders authorised the Directors to allot ordinary shares up to an
aggregate nominal amount of £1,439,099 in the capital of the Company. The Directors
will again seek authority from shareholders at the forthcoming 2026 AGM to allot
ordinary shares.
Shares held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust (the ‘Trust’) rank pari passu with
the shares in issue and have no special rights. Voting rights and rights of acceptance of
any offer relating to the shares held in the Trust rest with the trustees, who may take
account of any recommendation from the Company.
Purchase of own shares
The Company was authorised by shareholders at the 2025 AGM to purchase its own
shares in the market and renewed this authority at the 29 January 2026 General
Meeting for up to a maximum of 14.99% of its issued share capital to provide the Board
with sufficient headroom to continue the share purchase programme. The Company
intends to renew the authority to purchase its own shares in the market in line with the
recommendations of the Pre-emption Group, being up to a maximum of 14.99% of its
issued share capital, at the 2026 AGM.
A total of 60.1 million shares (FY2025: 25.6 million shares) with a nominal value of
£601k (FY2025
: £256k) were purchased in the financial year ending
28 February 2026,
being 15% (FY2025: 6%) of the shares in issue at the time the authority was granted.
The average price paid was £2.52 (FY2025: £3.47) with a total consideration (excluding
costs) of £151 million (FY2025: £89 million). All ordinary shares purchased under the
programme were cancelled. No shares were held in treasury during the year.
Payment practices reporting
The Company publishes information about supplier payment practices and performance,
where required. The Company’s standard terms of business are to pay suppliers within
30 days of the invoice date. On average, Trainline takes 22 days to pay supplier invoices.
Time period to payment
% paid in the period
£ value of payments in the period
Within 30 days
85%
£163,523,582
Between 31 - 60 days
14%
£26,910,902
61 days or longer
1%
£1,227,803
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
86
Directors’ report
continued
Substantial shareholdings
The Company has been notified under Rule
5 of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules of the following interests in voting rights in its shares.
Interests disclosed to the Company that have occurred since the date of this report can
be found on the Group’s Investor Relations website or via the Regulatory News Service.
Shareholder
% of total voting
rights as at
28 Feb 2026
% of total voting
rights as at the
signing date of
this report
FIL Limited
14.32%
14.32%
BlackRock Inc
5.69%
5.69%
J.P. Morgan Securities PLC
5.18%
below 5%
Invesco Ltd
4.87%
4.87%
Baillie Gifford & Co
4.36%
4.36%
Ninety One UK Ltd
N/A
5.04%
Tax transparency
Trainline is committed to being a responsible taxpayer acting in a transparent manner.
Our detailed tax strategy, which can be found at investors.thetrainline.com, provides
further information on our approach to risk management and governance.
Significant agreements
Convertible Bonds, due January 2026, listed on the unregulated open market of the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange (‘Freiverkehr’)
The Company issued £150 million of senior unsecured Convertible Bonds (the ‘Bonds’)
on 7 January 2021, that came due in January 2026.
The remaining balance (£82.7 million) of the principal amount outstanding of the
Company’s 1% Convertible Bonds was redeemed in full, at par plus accrued interest, at
maturity on 14 January 2026. No bonds were converted into equity and the redemption
was funded from existing liquidity resources.
Political and charitable donations
The Group did not make any political donations (FY2025: £nil) or incur any political
expenditure during the year (FY2025: £nil). During the year, the Company made
charitable donations totalling £37,943 (FY2025: £26,685) in addition to charitable
donations via matched funding under the reporting threshold to support the charitable
fundraising efforts of our People.
Going concern
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2024 requires the Board to assess and report on the
prospects of the Group and whether the business is a going concern. In considering this
requirement, the Directors have taken into account the Group’s forecast cash flows, liquidity,
borrowing facilities and related covenant requirements, including the next covenant tests on
31 August 2026 and 28 February 2027, and the expected operational activities of the Group.
Having due regard to these matters and after making appropriate enquiries, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate
resources to remain in operation until at least 12 months after the approval of these
Financial Statements. The Board has therefore continued to adopt the going concern
basis in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. Further details are set out in
Note 1 to the Financial Statements.
Information relevant to the Directors’ Report reference table
Information
Page
Directors of the Company during the financial year
61 to 62
Financial instruments and financial risk management
137 to 139
Likely future developments
4 to 38
Research and development
17 to 26
Engagement with employees
55
Engagement with suppliers, customers and others in a business relationship
with the Company
53 to 55
Details of long-term incentive schemes
76 to 77
Engagement with other stakeholders
53 to 55
Directors’ interests in shares
83
Statement of capitalised interest
124
Sustainability, TCFD, energy and greenhouse gas reporting
44 to 50
The Directors’ Report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
the Companies Act 2006, has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Martin McIntyre
Company Secretary
5 May 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
87
Directors’ report
continued
Docusign Envelope ID: E89C14F1-790A-8F35-83F3-D376F7CBDB66
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts and the
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulation.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements for each financial
year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the Group Financial Statements
in accordance with UK
-adopted International Accounting Standards and the Parent
Company Financial Statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101
‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, and applicable law).
Under company law, Directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and
Parent Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the
Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
state whether applicable UK-adopted International Accounting Standards have
been followed for the Group financial statements and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, comprising FRS 101, have been followed for the Parent Company financial
statements, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate
to presume that the Group and Parent Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Parent
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection
of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and Parent Company’s transactions and
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and
Parent Company and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements and the
Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company’s
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination
of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Directors’ confirmations
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Annual Report and
Accounts, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
the Group Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-
adopted International Accounting Standards, give a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group;
the Parent Company Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101, give a true and fair
view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company; and
the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of
the business and the position of the Group and Parent Company, together with a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
Pete Wood
Chief Financial Officer
5 May 2026
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements.
Trainline plc
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88
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Docusign Envelope ID: 740A35FC-506D-87FE-82F2-B6E9C97FF9C1
Financial
Statements
90
Independent auditors’ report
103
Consolidated income
statement
103
Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
104
Consolidated balance sheet
105
Consolidated statement of
changes in equity
106
Consolidated statement
of cash flows
107
Notes to the Group Financial
Statements
142
Alternative
performance measures
144
Parent Company
balance sheet
145
Parent Company statement
of changes in equity
146
Notes to the
Parent Company
Financial Statements
Trainline plc Annual Report & Accounts 2026
89
Financial Statements
Trainline plc
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90
Financial Statements
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:
Trainline plc’s Group financial statements and Parent Company financial statements (the
“financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the
Parent Company’s affairs as at 28 February 2026 and of the Group’s profit and the
Group’s cash flows for the year then ended;
The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-
adopted international accounting standards as applied in accordance with the provisions
of the Companies Act 2006;
The Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and
applicable law).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006.
Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee.
We have audited the Financial Statements, included within the Annual Report &
Accounts 2026 (the “Annual Report”), which comprise:
The Consolidated balance sheet as at 28 February 2026;
The Parent Company balance sheet as at 28 February 2026;
The Consolidated income statement for the year then ended;
The Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
The Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
The Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended;
The Parent Company statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and
The notes to the Financial Statements, comprising material accounting policy
information and other explanatory information.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK)
(“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further
described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section
of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence and appointment
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that
are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s
Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our
other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by
the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided.
Other than those disclosed in the Report of the Audit and Risk Committee, we have
provided no non-audit services to the Parent Company or its controlled undertakings in the
period under audit.
We were first appointed by the Parent Company for the financial year ended 28 February
2022. Our uninterrupted engagement covers 5 financial years.
Timeline of engagement
Appointed
8 Sept 2021
28 Feb
2022
28 Feb
2026
Period of total uninterrupted engagement (years)
First
year-end
28 Feb
2023
Current
year-end
28 Feb
2025
1
2
4
5
3
29 Feb
2024
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
91
Recoverability of international consumer goodwill (Group)
Year on year: Consistent
Inappropriate capitalisation of intangibles
(Group)
Year on year: Consistent
Recoverability of investments in subsidiary undertakings
(Parent Company)
Year on year: Consistent
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most
significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the
allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in
the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
Recoverability of international consumer goodwill (Group)
Background:
The relevant disclosures have been made in note 10 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The Group holds a significant amount of international goodwill (£68.9m) on the
balance sheet. This goodwill primarily arose from the acquisition of Capitaine Train
SAS (now Trainline SAS), with a small contribution from the acquisition of
Trainline.com. The carrying value of international goodwill is dependent on the overall
valuation of the international consumer businesses, based on forecast discounted
cash flows to determine a value in use. This business is in a growth phase incurring
losses as it establishes itself in the market.
Procedures performed:
Management has performed the impairment assessment at a cash generating unit (CGU) level, with
the CGU being defined by the standalone cash flows of the international consumer businesses.
We have obtained an understanding of the goodwill impairment assessment process and evaluated
the design and implementation of management’s controls. We did not note any significant deficiency
in the internal controls assessed, however determined not to rely on these controls as part of our
audit response.
We critically challenged the assumptions made by management and sought to obtain evidence which
contradicts or corroborates these. We have applied professional scepticism throughout and
considered whether there is evidence of management bias applied to the assumptions.
In accordance with IAS 36 - Impairment of assets, management performs an annual
impairment assessment to determine whether an impairment of the carrying value of
international goodwill is required. In the current year this assessment has been
performed which has concluded that no impairment is required. The impairment
assessment includes the following estimates:
The three year Board approved forecast cash flows extrapolated for a further two
years including the estimated growth rates for Net Ticket Sales, Revenue and
EBITDA;
We have performed the following procedures over the value in use model which supports the
impairment assessment:
We evaluated management’s future cash flow forecasts by obtaining the model prepared by
management and:
Tested the mathematical accuracy and integrity of the model.
Agreed the amounts used in the model to the Board approved forecasts.
Financial Statements
I
ndependent audito
rs’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
Key audit matters
Our audit approach
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
92
Financial Statements
The growth rate to extrapolate forecasts beyond the five year forecast; and
The discount rate applied to the future cash flows.
These matters are complex and involve a high degree of estimation which means
future performance of the business could vary significantly.
Assessed the reliability of cash flow forecasts by comparing past performance
to previous forecasts.
Identified key assumptions and inputs within the model, which mainly comprise of the following:
Annual growth in
Net Ticket Sales
and Revenue: We compared management’s assumptions to
industry benchmarks including current market share data and implicit forecast market share data
based on internally forecast growth projections.
Gross margin forecast: We compared this assumption to historical margins and understood the
reason for any significant differences.
EBITDA forecast: We considered forecast costs that have a significant impact on EBITDA,
principally marketing expenses, and compared management’s assumptions to historical trends.
Long term growth rate: Our expert reviewed the rate used to ensure that it was within our expected
range.
Discount rates: Our expert reviewed the discount rates to assess whether management’s rates
were within our expected range.
We did not find any material exceptions in these tests. In addition to these specific procedures, we
have also performed a stand back assessment to determine whether our conclusions are
appropriate. The stand back assessment included the below:
Evaluated the sensitivity of the outcomes to reasonably possible changes to the key assumptions.
This included assessment of whether the Group’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcomes
were reflective of the risks and uncertainties surrounding the valuation of international goodwill.
Considered events subsequent to the year-end date to identify any factors the Group had not
considered which indicated that an impairment trigger existed at the year-end that would require an
updated impairment assessment.
Auditors’
experts
Benchmarking
Observations
Based on the results of the procedures described above, we concur with the directors' assessment that no impairment is required. We have assessed the related disclosures in the
Consolidated Financial Statements, including significant estimates and the sensitivities provided, and consider them to be materially appropriate.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
93
Financial Statements
Inappropriate capitalisation of intangibles (Group)
Background:
The relevant disclosures have been made in note 10 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The Group has significant capital expenditure on intangibles (FY26: £37.8m, FY25:
£40.3m), which gives rise to a risk that the costs are inappropriately capitalised.
The vast majority of the expenditure in the year was on software development, most
of which comprises internal spend on employees through payroll and payroll-related
costs.
The risk arises due to the magnitude of costs capitalised and the judgement required
in determining whether internal employee costs meet the requirements of IAS 38 for
capitalisation. Further, there could be considered an incentive to capitalise costs
which do not meet the criteria of IAS 38 - Intangible Assets, by posting fraudulent
manual journal entries, in order to improve adjusted EBITDA, being a key
performance indicator for the business.
Procedures performed:
We have performed the following procedures to gain sufficient appropriate evidence over
capitalisation of intangible software additions:
We have obtained an understanding of the capitalisation of intangibles process and evaluated the
design and implementation of management’s controls. We did not note any significant deficiency in
the internal controls assessed, however we determined we would not place reliance on these
controls as part of our audit response.
Performed testing over additions throughout the year to underlying evidence to ensure that the
amount capitalised accurately reflects a cost incurred by the business and meets the capitalisation
criteria of IAS 38.
Understood the expected transaction flow for capitalised additions and performed journals testing for
transactions that do not follow this expected flow.
Observations
Based on the results of the procedures described above we did not find any material exceptions. We have assessed the related disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements and
consider them to be materially appropriate.
Recoverability of investments in subsidiary undertakings (Parent Company)
Background:
The relevant disclosures have been made in note 3 of the Parent Company Financial
Statements.
The Parent Company holds a significant investment in its subsidiary undertaking. In
accordance with FRS 101, this asset is subject to impairment testing when a triggering
event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. The carrying value of the investment is dependent on the overall
valuation of the Group, based on the higher of the forecast discounted cash flows from
the subsidiary companies to which the investment relates, or the fair value of the
Group less the costs of disposal.
As at 28 February 2026, the carrying value of the investment was higher than the
market capitalisation of the Group, and as such management considered this to be a
triggering event therefore requiring an impairment review. Management determined
Procedures performed:
We have performed the following procedures to assess the recoverability of the investment in the
subsidiary undertaking and the impairment charge recognised:
We have obtained an understanding of the impairment assessment process and evaluated the
design and implementation of management’s controls. We did not note any significant deficiency in
the internal controls assessed, however we determined not to rely on these controls as part of our
audit response.
We evaluated management’s assessment of whether any indication of impairment existed, and
confirmed that there was an impairment indicator by comparing the carrying value of the investment
in the subsidiary undertaking to the market capitalisation of the Group as at 28 February 2026. We
confirmed, through consideration of the market capitalisation of the group plus an appropriate
premium, that the value in use of the underlying business exceeds the fair value less costs of
disposal.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
94
Financial Statements
the value in use basis to be higher than the fair value less costs of disposal and
hence compared this to the carrying value of the investment. An impairment charge
has been recorded against the Parent Company’s investment in subsidiary
undertakings in the current year of £595.4m, giving a closing balance of £1,297m.
In order to assess whether an impairment was required, and in turn the value of the impairment
recognised, we evaluated management’s future cash flow forecasts by obtaining the model
prepared by management and:
Tested the mathematical accuracy and integrity of the model.
Agreed the amounts used in the model to the Board approved forecasts.
Assessed the reliability of cash flow forecasts by comparing past performance
to previous forecasts.
Identified key assumptions and inputs within the model, which mainly comprise of the following:
Annual growth in
Net Ticket Sales
and Revenue: We compared management’s assumptions to
industry benchmarks including current market share data and implicit forecast market share data
based on internally forecast growth projections.
Gross margin forecast: We compared this assumption to historical margins and understood the
reason for any significant differences.
EBITDA forecast: We considered forecast costs that have a significant impact on EBITDA,
principally marketing expenses, and compared management’s assumptions to historical trends.
Long term growth rate: Our expert reviewed the rate used to ensure that it was within our expected
range.
Discount rate: Our expert reviewed the discount rate to assess whether management’s rate was
within our expected range.
We did not find any material exceptions in these tests. In addition to these specific procedures, we
have also performed a stand back assessment to determine whether our conclusions are appropriate.
The stand back assessment included the below:
Considered the market capitalisation of the group when combined with a typical average market
premium. This analysis demonstrated that the market capitalisation plus an appropriate premium
was below the carrying value of the investment for the majority of the year, providing additional
comfort that an impairment was required.
Considered events during the year and subsequent to the year-end date to identify any other factors
impacting the valuation of Trainline plc's investment, including inquiries with management and
engagement with our expert on changes impacting the business, in particular the expected impact
and timeline of Great British Railways.
Evaluated the sensitivity of the outcomes to reasonably possible changes to the key assumptions.
This included assessment of whether the Parent Company’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the
outcomes were reflective of the risks and uncertainties surrounding the valuation of the investment.
Auditors’
experts
Benchmarking
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
95
Financial Statements
Observations
Based on the results of the procedures described above, we concur with the directors' assessment that an impairment is required and that the value is materially accurate. We have
assessed the related disclosures in the Parent Company Financial Statements and consider them to be materially appropriate.
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give
an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the
Group and the Parent Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in
which they operate.
The Group’s accounting process is structured around a Group finance function located across
London and Edinburgh, who maintain accounting records and controls for the majority of the
Group.
In establishing the overall Group audit strategy and plan, we determined whether for each
legal entity within the Group we required an audit of its complete financial information (‘full
scope audit’), or whether specific audit procedures to address a certain risk characteristic or
financial statement line item would be sufficient. We consider the main trading entity of the
Group, Trainline.com Limited, to be financially significant and therefore we have performed a
full scope audit over this entity. In addition, we have performed a full scope audit over Trainline
plc, the Parent Company. We determined that specific audit procedures over certain account
balances were required in a further two legal entities to address specific risk characteristics
and provide sufficient overall Group coverage. In addition to procedures performed on specific
reporting entities, work was performed over the consolidation, including consolidation entries
relating to equity and goodwill, and over financial statement disclosures.
All work was undertaken by the Group team, with procedures over all in-scope financial
statement line items, including complex and judgemental areas prepared by the head office
finance function, to provide sufficient overall Group coverage.
We used data audit testing, where possible, to obtain more audit evidence than would have
been obtained from sample based substantive testing. We were able to use these techniques
as part of our audit of commission fee income from UK rail ticket sales, certain elements of
international commissions and to select journal entries for testing.
The Group team also performed audit procedures over the Parent Company's financial
position and results.
In addition, the Group audit team evaluated any large balances from the out-of-scope
components, assessing their likelihood of a material misstatement. Those not subject to review
procedures were individually, and in aggregate, immaterial. This gave us the evidence we
needed for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
96
Financial Statements
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiali
ty. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and exten
t of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of
misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Group
Parent Company
Overall
materiality
£4.44m
FY25
£4.40m
£15.27m
FY25
£21.31m
How we
determined it
1%
of the total Group revenue
1%
of the total Parent Company assets
Rationale for
benchmark
applied
Based on the benchmarks used in the Annual Report, revenue is one of the financial
statement line items of key focus for investors and management. We have used
revenue as a benchmark for materiality, which is consistent with the prior year. By
adopting this approach we have applied a level of materiality that is appropriate to
the underlying nature of the business.
We believe that total assets is the primary measure used by the shareholders in assessing
the performance and position of the entity and reflects the Parent Company's principal activity
as a holding Company.
Performance
materiality
£3.33m
FY24
£3.30m
£11.45m
FY25
£15.98m
How we
determined it
75%
of overall materiality
75%
of overall materiality
Level above which
we report to the
Audit Committee
£222,000
FY24
£220,000
£760,000
FY25
£1,070,000
We agreed we would also report misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Range of
materiality across
components
For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materialit
y.
£1.50m
£4.22m
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
97
Financial Statements
We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality.
Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for
example in determining sample sizes.
In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation risk and the effectiveness of controls - and
concluded that an amount in the middle of our normal range was appropriate.
The impact of climate risk on our audit
In considering the impact of climate risk on our audit, we:
Made enquiries of management to understand the extent of the potential
impact of climate risk on the Group’s Financial Statements; and
Remained alert when performing our audit procedures for any indicators of
the impact of climate risk. For example, we challenged management on the
impact of any climate related risks when performing our procedures over the
Group and CGU cash flow forecasts, ultimately concurring with management
that this is not a material risk.
Our procedures did not identify any material impact of climate risk on the Group’s and Parent Company’s financial statements.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
98
Financial Statements
Our ability to detect irregularities, including fraud, and our response
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material
misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal
risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to legal and governance
requirements of Trainline operating as a publicly listed company, and we considered the
extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements.
We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial
statements such as the Companies Act 2006, UK Corporate Governance Code, UK tax
legislation as applicable to the Group and specific rail industry licence regulations. We
evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the
financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the
principal risks were related to manipulation of the Financial Statements to overstate
revenue through the posting of inappropriate journal entries, or EBITDA through
inappropriately capitalising costs to intangibles or through manipulation of accounting
estimates.
Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
Identifying and testing of journal entries based on our risk assessment
criteria, in particular any journals with unusual account combinations which
inflate revenue or EBITDA;
Evaluating the design and implementation of controls over
journal entries;
Reviewing Board minutes throughout the financial year and post year end
to identify any unusual items such as suspicious activity, non-compliance,
breaches of laws or potential litigation;
Review of Financial Statements disclosures for compliance with
Companies Act 2006;
Assessing compliance with the tax legislation through our audit work over
payroll, VAT and corporation tax;
Performing enquiries of the Directors, management and legal counsel and
inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence;
Incorporating unpredictability into our audit plan;
Performing testing over the intangible asset additions in the period to
ensure that there is no evidence of inappropriately capitalised costs; and
Challenging assumptions made by management in determining critical
accounting estimates and judgements. This has included testing critical
accounting estimates and judgements to supporting documentation,
considering alternative information where available.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely
to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not
closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the
risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not
detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for
example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and
balances, possibly using data auditing techniques. However, it typically involves selecting
a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will
often seek to target particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics.
In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw a conclusion about the
population from which the sample is selected.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
99
Financial Statements
Conclusions relating to going concern
Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group's and the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:
01
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the cashflow forecast models and
considered the basis for the forecasts by reference to historical performance of
the Group;
04
Assessing the appropriateness of the downside scenarios including
their severity and performing stress testing over these;
02
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the cashflow forecast models
and considered the basis for the forecasts by reference to historical
performance of the Group;
05
Examining the debt agreements in place to understand the terms and
conditions of these borrowings, including associated covenants so as to
ensure these were appropriately considered in management’s going
concern assessment;
03
Identifying the key assumptions applied in the base case scenario, which
comprises growth in Net ticket sales and the associated Revenue and Cost of
sales growth. We evaluated these key assumptions by:
Comparing management’s assumptions to external factors including market
trends and Trainline's market share.
Comparing gross margin forecasts to historical margins.
Identifying and assessing management's alternate downside scenarios, and
considering whether these were appropriately severe but plausible scenarios,
particularly in the light of the uncertainty surrounding the UK rail reform and
current macroeconomic pressures.
Considering forecast costs that have a significant impact on EBITDA, principally
marketing expenses, and compared management’s assumptions to historical
trends.
Considering the availability of additional mitigating actions, in particular assessing
the reasonableness of potential mitigating actions based on historical execution
and feasibility.
06
Confirming current borrowings to third party evidence as at
28 February 2026 and considered the Group’s available financing and maturity
profile;
07
Assessing the completeness of the going concern disclosures in the
Annual Report and Accounts 2026; and
08
Assessing the reliability of the cash flow forecasts by comparing actual
performance to forecasts, specifically performing look back testing over
the results of FY23, FY24, FY25 and FY26.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties
relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on
the Group's and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of
at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going
concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not
a guarantee as to the Group's and the Parent Company's ability to continue as a going
concern.
In relation to the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate
Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the
directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern
are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
100
Financial Statements
Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the
financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible for the
other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent
otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material
inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude
whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to
report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.
With respect to the Strategic report and Directors’ report, we also considered whether the
disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included.
Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires
us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below.
Strategic report and Directors' report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information
given in the Strategic report and Directors’ report for the year ended 28 February 2026 is
consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and their
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify any material
misstatements in the Strategic report and Directors’ report.
Directors' Remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
Corporate governance statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern,
longer-term viability and that part of the corporate governance statement relating to the
Parent Company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code
specified for our review. Our additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate
governance statement as other information are described in the Reporting on other
information section of this report.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the
following elements of the corporate governance statement, included within the Directors'
report is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained
during the audit, and we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
The directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the
emerging and principal risks;
The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures
are in place to identify emerging risks and an explanation of how these are being
managed or mitigated;
The directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their
identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to
continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the
financial statements;
The directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the Group's and Parent Company’s
prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate; and
The directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Parent
Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over
the period of its assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any
necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Our review of the directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the Group and
Parent Company was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making
inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that
the statement is in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance
Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the financial statements and
our knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and their environment
obtained in the course of the audit.
In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each
of the following elements of the corporate governance statement is materially consistent
with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
101
Financial Statements
The directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair,
balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to
assess the Group’s and Parent Company's position, performance, business model and
strategy;
The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk
management and internal control systems; and
The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee.
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’
statement relating to the Parent Company’s compliance with the Code does not properly
disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules
for review by the auditors.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' responsibilities, the directors are
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable
framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to
fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the
Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company
or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue
an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or
error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these
financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial
Statements is located on the FRC’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities
This description forms part of our auditors’ report.
Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Parent
Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies
Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
102
Financial Statements
Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
We have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
Certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
The Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration
report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Other matter
The Parent Company is required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance
and Transparency Rules to include these financial statements in an annual financial report
prepared under the structured digital format required by DTR 4.1.15R - 4.1.18R and filed on
the National Storage Mechanism of the Financial Conduct Authority. This auditors’ report
provides no assurance over whether the structured digital format annual financial report has
been prepared in accordance with those requirements.
Jaskamal Sarai (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Reading
5 May 2026
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Trainline plc
continued
Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 28 February 2026
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 28 February 2026
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Continuing operations
Net ticket sales
1
6,319,160
5,907,443
Revenue
3
452,684
442,095
Cost of sales
(78,810)
(89,782)
Gross profit
373,874
352,313
Administrative expenses
(251,447)
(266,735)
Adjusted EBITDA
1
176,648
159,135
Exceptional items
4
(8,945)
Depreciation and amortisation
10,11
(40,814)
(43,167)
Share-based payment charges
16
(13,407)
(21,445)
Operating profit
122,427
85,578
Finance income
7
4,002
3,999
Finance costs
7
(12,114)
(8,692)
Net finance costs
7
(8,112)
(4,693)
Profit before tax
114,315
80,885
Income tax expense
8
(34,502)
(22,537)
Profit after tax
79,813
58,348
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic earnings per ordinary share
9
19.42p
13.09p
Diluted earnings per ordinary share
9
19.13p
12.66p
1
Non-GAAP measure (unaudited) – see alternative performance measures section on page 142.
The notes on pages 107 to 141 form part of the Financial Statements.
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Profit after tax
79,813
58,348
Items that may be reclassified to the income
statement:
Re-measurements of defined benefit liability
18
13
13
Foreign exchange movement
977
(947)
Other comprehensive profit/(loss), net of tax
990
(934)
Total comprehensive income
80,803
57,414
The notes on pages 107 to 141 form part of the Financial Statements.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
103
Financial Statements
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
10
80,968
74,657
Goodwill
10
420,208
416,181
Property, plant and equipment
11
47,794
11,073
Deferred tax asset
8
2,057
13,427
551,027
515,338
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
59,703
76,757
Trade and other receivables
12
88,925
67,212
Current tax receivable
8
947
148,628
144,916
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
13
(223,849)
(217,973)
Current tax payable
8
(6,321)
Loans and borrowings
14
(600)
(83,030)
Lease liabilities
14
(2,480)
(4,345)
Provisions
15
(1,358)
(234,608)
(305,348)
Net current liabilities
(85,980)
(160,432)
Total assets less current liabilities
465,047
354,906
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings
14
(226,529)
(68,100)
Lease liabilities
14
(32,337)
(3,107)
Provisions
15
(1,812)
(952)
(260,678)
(72,159)
Net assets
204,369
282,747
Equity
Share capital
17
3,854
4,455
Share premium
17
Foreign exchange reserve
17
2,262
1,285
Other reserves
17
(1,108,497)
(1,110,474)
Retained earnings
17
1,306,750
1,387,481
Total equity
204,369
282,747
The notes on pages 107 to 141 form part of the Financial Statements.
The Financial Statements on pages 103 to 141 were approved by the Board of Directors
of Trainline plc (registered number 11961132) on 5 May 2026 and were signed on its
behalf by:
Jody Ford
Peter Wood
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
5 May 2026
5 May 2026
Consolidated balance sheet
At 28 February 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
104
Financial Statements
Docusign Envelope ID: 740A35FC-506D-87FE-82F2-B6E9C97FF9C1
Notes
Share capital
£’000
Share premium
£’000
Other reserves
£’000
Foreign exchange reserve
£’000
Retained earnings
£’000
Total equity
£’000
Balance as at 1 March 2025
4,455
(1,110,474)
1,285
1,387,481
282,747
Profit after tax
79,813
79,813
Other comprehensive income
977
13
990
Acquisition of Treasury Shares
17
(14,631)
(14,631)
Share-based payment charges
1
16
11,812
11,812
Deferred tax on share-based payments
8
(4,057)
(4,057)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
2
17
(601)
601
(152,305)
(152,305)
Transfer between reserves
1
17
8,252
(8,252)
Balance as at 28 February 2026
3,854
(1,108,497)
2,262
1,306,750
204,369
For the year ended 28 February 2025
Notes
Share capital
£’000
Share premium
£’000
Other reserves
£’000
Foreign exchange reserve
£’000
Retained earnings
£’000
Total equity
£’000
Balance as at 1 March 2024
4,710
(1,112,724)
2,232
1,417,798
312,016
Profit after tax
58,348
58,348
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
(947)
13
(934)
Acquisition of Treasury Shares
17
(17,143)
(17,143)
Share-based payment charges
1
16
20,461
20,461
Deferred tax on share-based payments
8
(653)
(653)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
2
17
(255)
255
(89,348)
(89,348)
Transfer between reserves
1
17
(670)
670
Balance as at 28 February 2025
4,455
(1,110,474)
1,285
1,387,481
282,747
1
Share-based payment charges noted here are exclusive of National Insurance Charge. Transfer between reserves relates to the difference between the share price at grant date of the exercised shares and the actual cost of the
treasury shares purchased to fulfil the share-based payment.
2
Total purchase of own shares for cancellation in the period was £152.3 million inclusive of stamp duty and broker’s fees (FY2025: £89.3 million), of which £5.7 million (FY2025: £nil) relates to shares purchased but not paid for at the
reporting date.
The notes on pages 107 to 141 form part of the Financial Statements.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 28 February 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
105
Financial Statements
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
114,315
80,885
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation
10,11
40,814
43,167
Write-off of assets
765
Net finance costs
7
8,112
4,693
Share-based payment charges
16
13,407
21,445
Non-cash exceptionals
3,752
176,648
154,707
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables
(25,255)
(10,920)
Trade and other payables
(4,553)
3,447
Cash generated from operating activities
146,840
147,234
Taxes paid
(15,900)
(12,988)
Interest received
2,079
3,951
Net cash generated from operating activities
133,019
138,197
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for intangible assets
(36,626)
(40,870)
Payments for acquisition of subsidiary entities,
net of cash acquired
(232)
(358)
Payments for property, plant and equipment
(16,846)
(1,441)
Net cash flow from investing activities
(53,704)
(42,669)
Notes
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares
(14,631)
(17,143)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
(146,576)
(89,348)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
400,000
180,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility
(240,000)
(170,000)
Issue costs and fees
(4,105)
(813)
Net cash flows for payments of lease liabilities
(1,010)
(4,906)
Payment of interest on lease liabilities
(200)
(287)
Interest paid
(7,976)
(6,578)
Repayment of convertible bonds
(82,700)
Net cash flow from financing activities
(97,198)
(109,075)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents
(17,883)
(13,547)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
76,757
91,085
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
829
(781)
Closing cash and cash equivalents
59,703
76,757
The notes on pages 107 to 141 form part of the Financial Statements.
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 28 February 2026
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
106
Financial Statements
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
Notes
Forming part of the Financial Statements
b) Basis of consolidation
continued
107
1. Material accounting policy information
a) General information
Trainline plc (the “Company”) and subsidiaries controlled by the Company (together, the
“Group”) are the leading independent rail and coach travel platform selling rail and coach
tickets worldwide. The Company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”)
and is incorporated and domiciled in England, the United Kingdom. The Company’s
registered address is 1 Stonecutter Street, EC4A 4AH.
The Group Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2026 were approved by
the Directors on 5 May 2026.
The Group Financial Statements of Trainline plc have been prepared in accordance
with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under those standards.
The accounting policies set out in the sections below have, unless otherwise stated, been
applied consistently to all periods presented within the Financial Statements and have
been applied consistently by all subsidiaries.
The requirements of IFRS regarding climate-related disclosures have been considered
and does not have a material impact on the Financial Statements. Consideration of this
has been included within pages 46 to 52 of the Strategic Report.
b) Basis of consolidation
The Group Financial Statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries
(together referred to as the “Group”).
The Financial Statements presented herein are for the year from 1 March 2025 to
28 February 2026.
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and
has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Financial
Statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from
the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. Control is
achieved when the Group; (i) has power over the investee; (ii) is exposed or has rights to
variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (iii) has the ability to use its
power to affect the returns.
(ii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising
from intra-group transactions, are eliminated.
c) Basis of measurement
The Group and Parent Company Financial Statements are prepared on the historical cost
basis except for the following:
Financial instruments at fair value through the income statement are measured at
fair value.
d) Functional and presentation currency
The Financial Statements are presented in pound sterling (£GBP), which is the functional
currency of the Parent Company. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest
thousand, unless otherwise indicated.
e) Going concern
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis,
which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due over at
least the next 12 months from the date of the approval of these Financial Statements
(the “going concern assessment period”) including consideration of the covenants
associated with the Group’s revolving credit facility at the next covenant test dates on
31 August 2026 and 28 February 2027, being the two relevant dates in this period.
The UK Corporate Governance Code requires the Board to assess and report on the
prospects of the Group and whether the business is a going concern. The Directors have
undertaken a rigorous assessment of going concern and liquidity, taking into account
financial forecasts and any key uncertainties and sensitivities.
On 25 July 2025, the Group entered into a new £450.0 million revolving credit facility
with an initial maturity date of 25 July 2028, with the option to extend for a further two,
one-year periods to 25 July 2030. On 18 February 2026, the Group extended the revolving
credit facility by a further £150.0 million to a total available facility of £600.0 million,
with no amendments to pre-existing covenants or securitisation requirements. The
convertible bond of £82.7 million was repaid in January 2026.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Forming part of the Financial Statements
1. Material accounting policy information
continued
e) Going concern
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
108
The Group generated positive adjusted EBITDA
1
in the year and reported an increase
in net debt
1
at 28 February 2026
; however, it remained in compliance with its financial
covenants associated with the revolving credit facility (refer to Note 14
) with significant
headroom at the reporting date. As at 28 February 2026, the Group was in a net
current liability position of £86.0 million driven by the negative working capital cycle
whereby ticket sales amounts are received before amounts due are paid to carriers
(FY2025: £160.4
million net current liability position), significant movement year-on-year
relates to the repayment of the convertible bond in January 2026 utilising the Group’s
borrowing facility. The Group has in place bank guarantees of £148.2 million (FY2025:
£167.0 million) that can be utilised to settle trade creditor balances. Bank guarantees
are issued by lenders under the Group’s revolving credit facility and therefore reduce
the Group’s remaining available facility. Despite the net current liability position, the
Group has access to £221.8 million additional funds under its revolving credit facility
(FY2025: £88.0 million). As
such the Group has sufficient liquidity to cover the net current
liability position.
The Directors performed a detailed going concern review using Board-approved
forecasts (the ‘base case’) as well as considering two severe but plausible downside
scenarios in isolation, without any mitigations, and their potential impact on the
Group’s forecast. The severe but plausible downside scenarios modelled were: (1) a 15%
reduction in forecast Group adjusted EBITDA caused by a circa 7% reduction in Group
revenue, or a circa 15% increase in Group marketing and other administrative expenses;
and (2) a 1.5% increase above the forecast SONIA interest rate benchmark.
In the base case and both severe but plausible downside scenarios, the Group is able
to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due, with significant excess
liquidity. This includes complying with the net debt to adjusted EBITDA and the interest
coverage covenant requirements at the 31 August 2026 and 28 February 2027 test dates.
Following the assessment described above, the Directors are confident that the Group
has adequate resources to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due and to remain
in operation for the going concern assessment period. The Board has therefore
continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
1
Non-GAAP measure (unaudited) – see alternative performance measures section on pages 142 and 143.
f) Cost of sales
Cost of sales include costs in relation to the provision of rail tickets, industry system
costs, ancillary services, settlement and fulfilment costs and are recognised as incurred
(at the point of sale).
g) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies
of Group companies at exchange rates applicable on the dates of the transactions.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to
the functional currency exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and
liabilities that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated to the
functional currency at the exchange rate when the fair value was determined. Foreign
currency differences arising on translation are generally recognised in the income
statement. Non-monetary items that are measured based on historical cost in foreign
currency are not re-translated.
For the purpose of presenting the Consolidated Financial Statements, the assets
and liabilities of entities with a functional currency other than sterling are expressed
in sterling using exchange rates prevailing at the reporting period date. Income
and expense items and cash flows are translated at the average exchange rates
for each month and exchange differences arising are recognised directly in other
comprehensive income.
h) Use of judgements and estimates
In preparing these Financial Statements, management has made judgements, estimates
and assumptions that affect the application of the accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Actual results
may differ from these estimates. Revision to estimates are recognised prospectively.
Key Source of Estimation Uncertainty
The following estimate is deemed critical as it has been identified by Management as
one which is subject to a high degree of estimation uncertainty:
Note 10 – Goodwill impairment test: key assumptions underlying recoverable amounts
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
1. Material accounting policy information
continued
h) Use of judgements and estimates
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
109
The Group tests goodwill for impairment annually by comparing the carrying amount
against the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value
less costs of disposal and value-in-use. There is inherent estimation uncertainty in
estimating the future cash flows and the time period over which they will occur. There
is also estimation uncertainty in arriving at an appropriate discount rate to apply to the
cash flows as well as an appropriate terminal growth rate. Each of these assumptions
have an impact on the overall value of cash flows expected and therefore the headroom
between the cash flows and carrying values of the cash generating units (
CGUs). An
unfavourable change in any of these assumptions could result in a significant change
in headroom. As such each of these constitute estimates in the assessment of the
recoverable amount of goodwill in respect of both the UK consumer and International
consumer CGUs. Details of the impact of reasonably possible changes to the future cash
flows and timing of these are evaluated in Note
10 to the Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Judgements
Critical accounting judgements are those that the Group has made in the process of
applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on
the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements:
• Note 10 – Capitalisation of internal software development costs
The Group capitalises internal costs directly attributable to the development of
intangible assets. We consider this a critical judgement given the application of IAS
38
involves the assessment of several different criteria that can be subjective and/or
complex in determining whether the costs meet the threshold for capitalisation. During
the year, the Group has capitalised internal development costs amounting to £37.8
million (FY2025: £40.3 million). While the Group makes judgements in determining the
basis for recognition of these internally developed assets, these judgements are formed
in the context of robust systems and controls.
i) New standards and interpretations adopted
A
new standard is effective from
1 March 2025
but does not have a material effect on the
Group’s Financial Statements.
The following adopted IFRS has been issued but has not been applied by the Group
in these consolidated Financial Statements. The adoption is not expected to have a
material effect on the Financial Statements unless otherwise indicated:
Lack of Exchangeability – Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign
Exchange Rates (effective date 1 January 2025)
IFRS 18
‘Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements’ becomes effective
for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027 and will replace
IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’. The standard will be applied retrospectively.
IFRS 18
introduces a more structured statement of profit or loss, requiring income
and expenses to be classified into operating, investing, financing, income taxes and
discontinued operations, and introduces new defined subtotals, including operating
profit and profit before financing and income taxes. There is no change to recognition
and measurement requirements and, accordingly, no expected impact on profit
after tax.
The standard requires disclosure of management-defined performance measures
(“MPMs”) in a single note, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS
subtotal. IFRS 18 also introduces enhanced guidance on aggregation and disaggregation
and will change the classification of certain items in the statement of cash flows,
including presenting interest received and interest paid within investing and financing
activities, respectively. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 18 on its
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
110
2. Operating segments
In accordance with IFRS 8, the Group determines and presents its operating segments
based on internal information that is provided to the Board, being the Group’s Chief
Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”).
The Group’s three operating and reporting segments are summarised as follows:
UK Consumer
– Travel apps and websites for individual travellers for journeys within
the UK
International Consumer
– Travel apps and websites for individual travellers for
journeys outside the UK including journeys between the UK and outside the UK, and
Trainline Solutions
1
– Travel portal platforms for Trainline’s own branded business
units, in addition to external corporates, travel management companies and white-
label ecommerce platforms for Train Operating Companies. This segment operates
Platform One Solutions and reallocates a cost to the UK and International Consumer
segments.
No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Group’s sales. In general, the
transfer pricing policy implemented by the Group is market-based.
The CODM reviews discrete information by segment disaggregated to adjusted EBITDA
to better assess performance and to assist in resource-allocation decisions. The CODM
monitors the three operating segments results at the level of net ticket sales, revenue,
gross profit and adjusted
EBITDA as shown in this disclosure.
No results at a profit before/after tax level or in relation to the statement of financial
position are reported to the CODM at a lower level than the consolidated Group.
1
The Group’s technology platform, UK Trainline Solutions and International Trainline Solutions are collectively
referred to as ‘Trainline Solutions’.
Segmental analysis for the year ended 28 February 2026:
   
   
International
Trainline
 
 
UK Consumer
Consumer
Solutions
Total Group
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Net ticket sales
2
4,134,731
1,103,522
1,080,907
6,319,160
Revenue
204,134
59,582
188,968
452,684
Cost of sales
(50,384)
(18,528)
(9,898)
(78,810)
Gross profit
153,750
41,054
179,070
373,874
Marketing costs
(27,441)
(38,491)
(939)
(66,871)
Other administrative expenses
(39,652)
(13,367)
(77,336)
(130,355)
Adjusted EBITDA
2
86,657
(10,804)
100,795
176,648
Depreciation and amortisation
     
(40,814)
Share-based payment charges
     
(13,407)
Operating profit
     
122,427
Net finance costs
     
(8,112)
Profit before tax
     
114,315
Income tax expense
     
(34,502)
Profit after tax
     
79,813
2
Non-GAAP measure (unaudited) – see alternative performance measures section on page 142.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
2. Operating segments
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
111
Segmental analysis for the year ended 28 February 2025:
   
   
International
Trainline
 
 
UK Consumer
Consumer
Solutions
Total Group
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Net ticket sales
3
3,911,711
1,054,993
940,739
5,907,443
Revenue
207,611
53,227
181,257
442,095
Cost of sales
(60,388)
(18,885)
(10,509)
(89,782)
Gross profit
147,223
34,342
170,748
352,313
Marketing costs
(27,138)
(42,973)
(791)
(70,902)
Other administrative expenses
(31,735)
(11,480)
(79,061)
(122,276)
Adjusted EBITDA
1
88,350
(20,111)
90,896
159,135
Depreciation and amortisation
     
(43,167)
Share-based payment charges
     
(21,445)
Exceptional items
     
(8,945)
Operating profit
     
85,578
Net finance costs
     
(4,693)
Profit before tax
     
80,885
Income tax expense
     
(22,537)
Profit after tax
     
58,348
1
Non-GAAP measure (unaudited) – see alternative performance measures section on page 142.
3. Revenue
Accounting policy
Consumer
Commission revenue is earned from carriers on net ticket sales. Each sale or refund
transaction represents a separate performance obligation, and the related revenue is
recognised at the time of the sale or refund. Ancillary product offerings sold through
third parties generate other revenue earnings for Trainline who act as agent. Income
is recognised at a point in time based on purchase date, impressions or, in the case
of hotels, customer stays. The Group acts as an agent in these sale transactions, as
it does not control the services prior to transferring them to its customers. In refund
transactions, the Group acts as an agent in respect of the refund of the ticket value that
is due back to the customer, and as a principal in respect of the refund fee, as it has full
entitlement to the refund fee. Refund sales and fees are recognised at the point the
ticket is voided (cancelled) with the vendor. The Group acts as principal in respect of
other fee income including booking fee, settlement fee and fulfilment fee, in addition to
rail rebates. Promotions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on their nature and
are recognised as a contra to revenue where it meets the requirements of IFRS 15.
Trainline Solutions
Revenue earned from branded travel portal platforms is recognised in three key
elements represented by bespoke feature builds, monthly maintenance, and
commission and service fees earned per transaction processed. Each of these elements
represent a separate performance obligation. Revenue is recognised at point in time
for bespoke feature builds, maintenance, commission and service fees. For contracts
with customers, invoices are raised upon satisfaction of performance obligations, with
payment due within 30 days.
The Group’s operations and main revenue streams are those described in these Financial
Statements. The Group’s revenue is derived from contracts with customers and are
disaggregated by primary geographical market and timing of revenue recognition.
   
 
2026
2025
Timing of revenue recognition
£’000
£’000
At point in time
452,684
442,095
Total revenue
452,684
442,095
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
3. Revenue
continued
Accounting policy
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
112
Geographic information
In presenting the information on the basis of geography, revenue is based on the
geographical location of the vendors. This reflects how information is presented externally.
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
UK
366,525
362,751
Rest of the world
86,159
79,344
Total revenue
452,684
442,095
Contract balances
The Group’s contract balances consist of trade receivables, contract assets and contract
liabilities. Trade receivables are disclosed in Note 12.
The contract assets primarily relate to the Group’s rights to consideration for services
provided but not invoiced at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred
to receivables when invoiced. The Group’s contract assets amounted to £1.9 million
(FY2025: £8.4 million) which are included in Note 12.
The contract liabilities primarily relate to the advance consideration received from
customers, for which revenue is recognised when the services are deemed to be
provided. The contract liabilities amounted to £0.2 million (FY2025: £0.4 million) which
are included in Note 13.
4. Exceptional items
Exceptional items are costs or credits that, by virtue of their nature and incidence, have
been disclosed separately in order to improve a reader’s understanding of the Financial
Statements. Exceptional items are one-off in nature and are not considered to be part of
the Group’s underlying trading performance.
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Restructuring Costs
8,945
Exceptional Items
8,945
Restructuring Costs
Costs incurred in FY2025 relate to a cost optimisation exercise which includes a reduction
in headcount. The majority of these costs are cash items which have now been paid but
also includes non-cash share-based payment charges. All of the costs as part of this
project were recognised in FY2025.
5. Auditors’ remuneration
This note details a breakdown of the auditors’ remuneration recognised across the Group.
During the year, the Group obtained the following services from its auditors:
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Audit of these Financial Statements
746
655
Audit of Financial Statements of subsidiaries pursuant to
   
legislation
160
112
Audit-related assurance services
64
60
Non-audit services
12
Total auditors’ remuneration
970
839
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
113
6. Employee benefit expenses
Staff costs presented in this note reflect the total wage, tax, pension and share-
based payment charge relating to employees of the Group. These costs are allocated
between administrative expenses, cost of sales or capitalised where appropriate as
part of software development intangible assets. The allocation between these areas
is dependent on the area of business the employee works in and the activities they
have undertaken.
Average number of full-time equivalent employees
   
 
2026
2025
 
Number of
Number of
 
employees
employees
Sales and marketing
137
145
Operations
126
165
Technology and product
565
588
Management and administration
158
155
Total number of employees
1
986
1,053
Employee benefits expense
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Wages and salaries
88,982
88,957
Social security contributions
14,218
13,059
Contributions to defined contribution plans
3,744
3,715
Share-based payment expense
13,407
21,445
Total employee benefits
120,351
127,176
Details of Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in Note 23 under Transactions with key
management personnel of the Group and in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on
pages 72 to 84 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2026.
1
In determining the monthly employee numbers, in respect of leavers and joiners, employee numbers have been
prorated by the number of days they were employed within the Group.
7. Net finance costs
Net finance costs comprise bank interest income and interest expense on borrowings
and lease liabilities, as well as foreign exchange gains or losses.
On 25 July 2025, the Group entered into a new £450.0 million revolving credit facility
which replaced the Group’s previous £325.0 million revolving credit facility (refer to Note
14 for full detail). Transaction costs of £1.5 million incurred in relation to the Group’s
former £325.0 million facility and not yet amortised upon cancellation of this facility of
25 July 2025
were charged as a finance cost in the period.
Accounting policy
Interest income and expense is recognised as it accrues in the income statement, using
the effective interest method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in the
income statement in accordance with the policy for foreign currency transactions set out
in Note 1g.
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Bank interest income
2,353
3,999
Net foreign exchange gain
1,649
Finance income
4,002
3,999
Interest expense on borrowings including amortisation
   
of transaction costs
(9,973)
(6,919)
Net foreign exchange loss
(584)
Interest and fees on convertible bonds
(728)
(827)
Interest on lease liability
(1,291)
(287)
Unwind of provision
(122)
(65)
Other interest
(10)
Finance costs
(12,114)
(8,692)
Net finance costs recognised in the income statement
(8,112)
(4,693)
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
114
8. Taxation
This note analyses the tax expense for this financial year, which includes both current
and deferred tax. It also details tax accounting policies and presents a reconciliation
between profit before tax in the income statement multiplied by the rate of corporation
tax and the tax charge for the year.
The deferred tax section provides information on expected future tax charges and sets
out the assets and liabilities held across the Group.
Accounting policy
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. It is recognised in the income
statement except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items
recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
(i) Current tax
Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income
or loss for the year and any adjustment to tax payable or receivable in respect of
previous years. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the
reporting date.
(ii) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used
for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for:
temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction
that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable
profit or loss;
temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, to the extent that the
Group can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is
probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and
taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and
deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable
profits will be available against which they can be used before their expiry. Deferred tax
assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no
longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Amounts will be recognised first to the extent that taxable temporary differences exist
and it is considered probable that they will reverse and give rise to future taxable profits
against which losses or other assets may be utilised before their expiry. Assets will then
be recognised to the extent that forecasts or other evidence support the availability of
future profits against which assets may be realised.
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary
differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the
reporting date. The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences that
would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting date, to
recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met.
The Group recognises a deferred tax asset in respect of share-based payment awards
based on the expected tax deduction, measured as the intrinsic value of the awards
at the reporting date. The deferred tax asset is recognised over the vesting period,
consistent with the recognition of the related IFRS 2 charge, and is remeasured at each
reporting date based on the Group’s share price. To the extent that the tax deduction
on exercise exceeds the cumulative IFRS 2
charge, the excess tax benefit is recognised
directly in equity. Where the tax deduction is lower than the cumulative IFRS 2 charge,
any shortfall is recognised in the income statement. Current tax deductions arising on
the exercise of share-based payment awards are recognised in the income statement
except to the extent that they relate to amounts previously recognised in equity.
The Group is currently not within the scope of the OECD Pillar Two framework
implementing the qualified domestic minimum top-up tax. No adjustments or
disclosures related to Pillar Two income taxes are required in the Financial Statements.
The Group will continue to monitor the applicability of Pillar Two rules in future years.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
8. Taxation
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
115
Amounts recognised in the income statement
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Current tax charge
   
Current year corporation tax
27,718
13,888
Adjustment in respect of prior years
(529)
(2,151)
Total current tax charge
27,189
11,737
Deferred tax charge
   
Current year deferred tax
6,217
8,990
Adjustment in respect of prior years
1,096
1,810
Total deferred tax charge
7,313
10,800
Tax charge
34,502
22,537
UK corporation tax was calculated at 25% (FY2025: 25
%) of the taxable profit for the year.
Taxation for territories outside of the UK was calculated at the rates prevailing in the
respective jurisdictions. The total tax charge of £34.5 million (FY2025: £22.5 million) is
made up of a current corporation tax charge of £27.2 million (FY2025: £11.7 million) and
a deferred tax charge of £7.3 million (FY2025: £10.8 million).
Included in the current year deferred tax charge is the unwind of the deferred tax credit
following the utilisation of UK tax losses. It also includes the unwind of the deferred
tax asset in relation to the share-based payment incentive due to the decrease in the
share price.
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Profit before tax
114,315
80,885
Tax on profit at standard UK rate of 25% (FY2025: 25%)
28,579
20,221
Effect of:
   
Expenses not deductible/income not deductible
(940)
(755)
Amounts not recognised
(883)
1,003
Adjustment in respect of prior years
567
(342)
Share-based payments
7,055
2,384
Other
124
26
Total tax charge
34,502
22,537
Effective tax rate
30%
28%
The total tax charge in FY2026 of £34.5 million is higher than the tax charge in FY2025.
This increase is primarily driven by higher taxable profits in the current year, together
with a reduction in the deferred tax asset in respect of share-based payments.
The decrease in the deferred tax asset reflects a reduction in the Company’s share price
compared to the prior year, alongside revised vesting assumptions, resulting in a partial
unwind of the deferred tax asset recognised in relation to share options.
Tax (payable)/receivable per the consolidated balance sheet:
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Current tax (payable)/receivable
(6,321)
947
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
8. Taxation
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
116
Deferred tax (liability)/asset as at 28 February 2026:
   
 
Acquired
Tangible assets
Share-based
Losses carried
 
 
intangible assets
and other
payments
forward
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 1 March 2025
(251)
(902)
11,701
2,879
13,427
Adjustment in respect of prior years
(2,203)
301
806
(1,096)
Adjustments posted through equity
(4,057)
(4,057)
Credit/(charge) to consolidated income statement
251
1,907
(5,347)
(3,028)
(6,217)
At 28 February 2026
(1,198)
2,598
657
2,057
Deferred tax (liability)/asset as at 28 February 2025:
   
 
Acquired
Tangible assets
Share-based
Losses carried
 
 
intangible assets
and other
payments
forward
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 1 March 2024
(1,155)
(3,911)
12,504
17,415
24,853
Adjustment in respect of prior years
(498)
(1,551)
(31)
270
(1,810)
Adjustments posted through equity
(653)
(653)
Credit/(charge) to consolidated income statement
1,402
4,560
(119)
(14,806)
(8,963)
At 28 February 2025
(251)
(902)
11,701
2,879
13,427
Deferred tax is recognised in accordance with IAS 12
. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised in full on all taxable temporary differences, while deferred tax assets are recognised only
to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
The decrease in the deferred tax asset in respect of share-based payments reflects a reduction in the share price together with revised assumptions applied to the valuation of the
relevant schemes.
A prior year adjustment has been recognised through the income statement and equity in relation to share-based payments, in order to correct the opening position.
The deferred tax asset relating to tax losses has decreased as a result of the utilisation of losses in the UK
, partially offset by the recognition of losses within Trainline
SAS.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
117
9. Earnings per share
This note sets out the accounting policy that applies to the calculation of earnings per
share, and how the Group has calculated the shares to be included in basic and diluted
earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations.
Accounting policy
The Group calculates earnings per share in accordance with the requirements of IAS 33
‘Earnings Per Share’.
Four types of earnings per share are reported:
(i) Basic earnings per share
Earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Group for the year, divided by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for
treasury shares held.
(ii) Diluted earnings per share
Earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Group for the year, divided by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic earnings per share
calculation adjusted for the effects of all dilutive ‘potential ordinary shares’.
(iii) Adjusted basic earnings per share
Earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Group for the year, adjusted to
remove the impact of exceptional items, share-based payment charges, amortisation of
acquired intangibles and the current and deferred tax impact of these items; divided by
the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, adjusted
for treasury shares held.
(iv) Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Group for the year, adjusted to
remove the impact of exceptional items, share-based payment charges, amortisation
of intangibles and the current and deferred tax impact of these items; divided by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic earnings per share
calculation adjusted for the effects of all dilutive ‘potential ordinary shares’.
   
 
At 28 February 2026
At 28 February 2025
Weighted average number of ordinary shares:
   
Ordinary shares
416,768,671
458,379,661
Treasury shares
(7,119,853)
(13,338,038)
Contingently issuable shares
1
1,416,078
594,773
Weighted number of ordinary shares
411,064,896
445,636,396
Dilutive impact of share options outstanding
6,196,273
15,197,117
Weighted number of dilutive shares
417,261,169
460,833,513
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Profit after tax
79,813
58,348
Earnings attributable to equity holders
79,813
58,348
Adjusted earnings
2
96,895
85,331
   
 
2026
2025
 
Pence
Pence
Profit per share
   
Basic
19.42p
13.09p
Diluted
19.13p
12.66p
Adjusted profit per share
   
Basic
23.57p
19.15p
Diluted
23.22p
18.52p
1
Contingently issuable shares relate to vested but unexercised share-based payment awards as at the balance
sheet date.
2
Refer to the alternative performance measures section for the calculation of adjusted earnings.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
118
10. Intangible assets and goodwill
The consolidated balance sheet contains a significant goodwill carrying value which
arose when the Group acquired subsidiaries and paid a higher amount than the fair
value of the acquired net assets. Goodwill is not amortised but is subject to an annual
impairment review. Impairment reviews of goodwill make use of estimates.
Other intangible assets predominantly arise on acquisition of subsidiaries or are
internally developed. These intangible assets are amortised and tested for impairment
when an indicator of impairment exists.
Accounting policy
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the
consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests,
and any previous interest held, over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities
assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate
consideration transferred, the Group reassesses whether it has correctly identified all of
the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used
to measure the amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the reassessment
still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate
consideration transferred, then the gain is recognised in the income statement. After
initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is,
from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units that
are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or
liabilities of the acquired business are assigned to those units.
(ii) Software development costs
Expenditure on research activities is recognised in the income statement as incurred.
External and internal development expenditure is capitalised only if the expenditure
can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially
feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the Group intends to and has
sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Otherwise,
it is recognised in the income statement as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition,
development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any
accumulated impairment losses. Internal development expenditure is managed by the
development team and the amount capitalised is monitored through time charged
to projects.
(iii) Brand and customer lists
Brand and customer lists that are acquired by the Group have finite useful lives
and are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated
impairment losses.
(iv) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic
benefits embodied in the asset to which it relates. All other expenditure, including
expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands, is recognised in the income
statement as incurred.
(v) Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated to write off the cost of intangible assets less their estimated
residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and is
recognised in administrative expenses in the income statement. Goodwill is not amortised.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
   
Software development
3–10 years
Brand valuation
10 years
Customer lists
3 years
Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting
date and adjusted if appropriate.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
10. Intangible assets and goodwill
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
119
Intangible assets and goodwill as at 28 February 2026:
 
Software
Brand
Customer
  
 
development
1
valuation
Lists
Goodwill
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Cost:
     
At 1 March 2025
220,097
51,738
93,778
440,172
805,785
Additions
37,750
37,750
Disposals
(6,173)
(6,173)
Exchange differences
5,515
5,515
At 28 February 2026
251,674
51,738
93,778
445,687
842,877
Accumulated amortisation
     
and impairment:
     
At 1 March 2025
(146,437)
(51,468)
(93,051)
(23,991)
(314,947)
Amortisation
(30,739)
(270)
(430)
(31,439)
Disposals
6,173
6,173
Exchange differences
(1,488)
(1,488)
At 28 February 2026
(171,003)
(51,738)
(93,481)
(25,479)
(341,701)
Carrying amounts:
     
At 28 February 2026
80,671
297
420,208
501,176
Of the amortisation charge for the year, £0.7 million (FY2025: £5.6 million) related to the
amortisation of intangible assets which were recognised on the Group’s acquisition of
Trainline.com Limited, Trainline SAS and Signalbox Technologies Limited, while £30.7
million (FY2025: £30.3 million) related to internally developed and purchased intangible
assets recognised at historical cost.
Disposals in the year of £6.2 million (FY2025: £7.6 million) include £6.2 million (FY2025:
£7.4 million) of fully amortised internally developed software assets which were no
longer in use.
Intangible assets and goodwill as at 28 February 2025:
 
Software
Brand
Customer
  
 
development
1
valuation
2
Lists
Goodwill
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Cost:
     
At 1 March 2024
187,371
51,738
94,010
443,722
776,841
Additions
40,279
40,279
Disposals
(7,370)
(232)
(7,602)
Write-offs
(183)
(183)
Exchange differences
(3,550)
(3,550)
At 28 February 2025
220,097
51,738
93,778
440,172
805,785
Accumulated amortisation
     
and impairment:
     
At 1 March 2024
(122,948)
(46,301)
(93,520)
(25,195)
(287,964)
Amortisation
(30,273)
(5,167)
(438)
(35,878)
Disposals
7,368
231
7,599
Write-offs
92
92
Amortisation reclass
3
(676)
676
Exchange differences
1,204
1,204
At 28 February 2025
(146,437)
(51,468)
(93,051)
(23,991)
(314,947)
Carrying amounts:
     
At 28 February 2025
73,660
270
727
416,181
490,838
1
Total software development as at 28 February 2026 includes £35.0 million of assets which represent work in
progress, and which are not yet depreciating (FY2025: £27.8 million, FY2024: £13.3 million).
2
At FY2025, the remaining useful economic life was one month for brand valuation assets.
3
Reclassification of prior year amortisation between customer lists and software development. This has a net £nil
impact on the carrying amounts of intangible assets.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
10. Intangible assets and goodwill
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
120
Goodwill impairment testing
The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment by reviewing the carrying amount
against the recoverable amount of the investment. The recoverable amount is the
higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. However, in line with IAS 36
Impairment of Assets, fair value less costs of disposal is only determined where value-in-
use would result in impairment.
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated on acquisition to the cash-
generating units (“CGUs
”) that are expected to benefit from that business combination.
The Group has a carrying value of goodwill totalling £420.2 million (FY2025: £416.2
million) which was initially recognised upon acquisition of Trainline.com Limited and
Trainline SAS (formerly Capitaine Train SAS).
CGUs are allocated on a more granular level than the operating segments. Impairment
reviews were conducted on these revised CGUs as summarised below:
   
 
2026
2025
CGUs
£’000
£’000
UK Consumer
351,271
351,271
International Consumer
68,937
64,910
UK Trainline Partner Solutions
International Trainline Partner Solutions
Total goodwill
420,208
416,181
For all CGUs the recoverable amount was determined by measuring their value-in-use.
Assumptions
The key value-in-use assumptions for the goodwill impairment assessment were:
   
 
2026
2025
2026
2025
 
UK
UK
International
International
 
Consumer
Consumer
Consumer
Consumer
Pre-tax discount rate
1
15.0%
15.3%
14.9%
12.3%
Terminal growth rate
2
2.0%
2.5%
2.0%
2.5%
Number of years forecasted before
       
terminal growth rate applied
5
5
5
5
There has been no impairment charge for any CGU during the year (FY2025: £nil).
As noted above, the key assumptions that form part of the value-in-use assessment are
the pre-tax discount rate, the terminal growth rate, the number of years forecasted before
terminal growth rate is applied and the underlying cash forecasts. The pre-tax discount
rate was determined based upon the weighted average cost of capital reflecting specific
principal risks and uncertainties. The discount rate takes into account the risk-free rate of
return, the market risk premium and beta factor reflecting the average beta for the Group
and comparator companies which are used in deriving the cost of equity. Further to this,
the terminal growth rate was determined based on the future inflation rates in conjunction
with forecast growth rates and reflects the long-term natural price growth.
For the purpose of the goodwill impairment testing, the Group prepares cash flow
forecasts using five-year projections which are extrapolated from the Board approved
three-year plan. The forecasts have been used in the value-in-use calculation along with
risk-adjusted discount rates. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated
using a terminal growth rate, for the purpose of goodwill impairment testing. The
forecasts reflect management’s expectations and best estimates in determining
EBITDA for each CGU. Management’s expectations and best estimates are determined
based on a detailed top down and bottom up forecasting process which incorporates
consideration of the Group’s strategy, expectations in respect of market size and market
share while also taking account of risks and uncertainties in the market.
1
The pre-tax discount rate is based upon the weighted average cost of capital reflecting specific principal risks
and uncertainties. The discount rate takes into account the risk-free rate of return, the market risk premium and
beta factor.
2
The terminal growth rate reflects the expected natural price and inflation growth into perpetuity of the business,
taking into account the current market and sector risks.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
10. Intangible assets and goodwill
continued
Goodwill impairment testing
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
121
The core assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts for impairment testing were as
follows. For the UK Consumer CGU, sales growth over the forecast period is driven by
ongoing investment in the Trainline platform, the monetisation of additional revenue
streams, and the continued digitisation of ticketing, supported by favourable modal shift
trends. For the International Consumer CGU, strong ongoing sales growth is driven by
targeted investment in marketing and continued enhancements to the user experience.
The Group’s cash flow forecasts include the assumption that the addressable rail
market across the UK
and continental Europe will benefit from increased investment
in high-speed rail and further liberalisation, as well as greater consumer awareness of
its environmental benefits.
As
a result, the international cash flow forecast assumes
that rail markets in Spain, France and Italy grow from an addressable market of around
€17.0 billion today, to €23.0 billion by 2030 and notably in France from 2027/28.
Where costs or assets in the forecast are not reported to the CODM at a CGU level,
as disclosed in Note 2, a reasonable and consistent allocation basis is applied for the
purposes of impairment testing.
Trading assumptions are based on estimates of market size, estimates of market share
and long-term economic forecasts.
Sensitivity analysis
The Group has conducted sensitivity analysis for reasonably possible changes to key
assumptions on each CGU’s value-in-use. This included either increasing the discount
rates, reducing the terminal growth rate, or reducing the anticipated future cash flows
through changes to revenue or costs in each of the years through to the terminal year.
The sensitivity assumptions applied to the value-in-use calculations are set out in the
following table.
2026
2025
2026
2025
UK
UK
International
International
Consumer
Consumer
Consumer
Consumer
Increase in discount rate
1pt
1pt
1pt
1pt
Reduction in long-term growth rate
applied in terminal year
0.5pt
0.5pt
0.5pt
0.5pt
Decrease in Adjusted EBITDA forecast
resulting in decrease in cash flows in
each year
15%
15%
15%
15%
None of the individual reasonably possible scenarios listed above resulted in an
impairment charge to any of the CGUs.
11. Property, plant and equipment
This note details the physical assets used by the Group in running its business.
Accounting policy
Items of property, plant and equipment (“PPE”) are measured at cost less accumulated
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Any gain or loss on disposal
of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the income statement.
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment
less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives and is generally recognised in the income statement. The estimated useful
lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
   
Plant and equipment
3–5 years
Leasehold improvements
6–10 years/remaining lease length if shorter
Right-of-use assets
Lease length
The Group tests the carrying value of assets including right-of-use (“ROU”) assets for
impairment if there is an indicator of impairment. PPE is included in the carrying value of
the Group’s CGUs and has been included in the CGU impairment assessments (see Note
10
). There were no additional indicators of specific impairment identified during the year
relating to PPE (FY2025: no indicators).
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
11. Property, plant and equipment
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
122
Property, plant and equipment as at 28 February 2026:
 
Plant and
Leasehold
Right-of-use
 
 
equipment
improvements
assets
1
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Cost:
    
At 1 March 2025
9,709
6,834
28,641
45,184
Additions
2,580
13,099
30,299
45,978
Disposals
(1,718)
(970)
(2,688)
Effects of foreign exchange
116
310
426
At 28 February 2026
10,687
19,933
58,280
88,900
Accumulated depreciation
    
and impairment:
    
At 1 March 2025
(7,374)
(5,279)
(21,458)
(34,111)
Depreciation
(1,507)
(1,311)
(6,557)
(9,375)
Disposals
1,718
962
2,680
Effects of foreign exchange
(82)
(218)
(300)
At 28 February 2026
(7,245)
(6,590)
(27,271)
(41,106)
Carrying amounts:
    
At 28 February 2026
3,442
13,343
31,009
47,794
1
Additions in the year primarily relate to a 10
-year office lease which commenced in
FY2026.
Property, plant and equipment as at 28 February 2025:
 
Plant and
Leasehold
Right-of-use
 
 
equipment
improvements
assets
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Cost:
    
At 1 March 2024
9,231
6,834
28,833
44,898
Additions
1,305
109
1,414
Disposals
(120)
(120)
Write-offs
(767)
(767)
Effects of foreign exchange
(60)
(181)
(241)
At 28 February 2025
9,709
6,834
28,641
45,184
Accumulated depreciation
    
and impairment:
    
At 1 March 2024
(5,500)
(4,193)
(17,257)
(26,950)
Depreciation
(1,911)
(1,086)
(4,292)
(7,289)
Disposals
78
78
Write-offs
1
1
Effects of foreign exchange
36
13
49
At 28 February 2025
(7,374)
(5,279)
(21,458)
(34,111)
Carrying amounts:
    
At 28 February 2025
2,335
1,555
7,183
11,073
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
123
12. Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables include amounts due from credit card companies for
consumer ticket sales and amounts due from business customers and Train Operating
Companies on account. The contract assets primarily relate to the Group’s rights to
consideration for services provided but not invoiced at the reporting date. Prepayments
consist of payments made prior to year end in respect of transactions in the normal
course of business.
Receivables are held with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and are
therefore recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised
cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment.
A provision
for the expected loss on trade and other receivables is established at inception. This is
modified when there is a change in the credit risk. The amount of the expected loss for
the Group is £0.4 million (FY2025: £0.4 million).
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Trade receivables
76,077
50,345
Other receivables
3,360
2,916
Prepayments
7,552
5,601
Contract assets
1,936
8,350
Total trade and other receivables
88,925
67,212
There is no material difference between the carrying value and fair value of trade
and other receivables. See Note 20 for more detail on the trade and other receivables
accounting policy.
13. Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables include liabilities for ticket sale monies to be passed on to
carriers, as well as accounts payable and accruals for general business expenditure and
contract liabilities.
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Trade payables
180,062
168,529
Accruals
39,617
46,008
Other creditors
3,928
3,038
Contract liabilities
242
398
Total trade and other payables
223,849
217,973
There is no material difference between the carrying value and fair value of trade and
other payables presented. See Note 20 for more detail on the trade and other payables
accounting policy.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
124
14. Loans, borrowings and lease liabilities
This note details a breakdown of the various loans and borrowings of the Group.
It also provides the terms and repayment dates of each of these.
Accounting policy
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at
amortised cost using the effective interest method. At the date borrowings are repaid,
any attributable transaction costs are released as finance costs.
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Non-current liabilities
   
Revolving credit facility
1
226,529
68,100
Lease liabilities
32,337
3,107
Total non-current liabilities
258,866
71,207
Current liabilities
   
Accrued interest on revolving credit facilities
600
828
Convertible bonds
82,202
Lease liabilities
2,480
4,345
Total current liabilities
3,080
87,375
1
Included within the revolving credit facility is the principal amount of £230.0
million (FY2025: £
70.0
million)
and directly attributable transaction costs of £
3.5
million (FY2025: £
1.9
million).
Terms and repayment schedule as at 28 February 2026
   
       
Carrying
   
Year of
Face value
amount
Agreement
Interest rate
maturity
£’000
£’000
Revolving credit facility
SONIA + Margin
2
2028
3
230,000
226,529
Lease liabilities
Various
4
Various
5
34,817
34,817
Total borrowings
   
264,817
261,346
The following are the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities at the
reporting date. The amounts are gross and undiscounted, and include estimated
future interest payments, so will not necessarily reconcile to amounts disclosed on
the statement of financial position.
   
 
Total
       
 
contractual
Less than
Between
Between
Over
 
cash flows
1 year
1 and 2 years
2 and 5 years
5 years
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Revolving credit facility
256,560
10,720
11,012
234,828
Lease liabilities
44,347
2,333
4,548
15,963
21,503
Total cash flows
300,907
13,053
15,560
250,791
21,503
Terms and repayment schedule as at 28 February 2025
   
       
Carrying
   
Year of
Face value
amount
Agreement
Interest rate
maturity
£’000
£’000
Revolving credit facility
SONIA + 1.2%-1.3%
2026
70,000
68,100
Convertible bonds
1.0%
2026
82,700
82,202
Lease liabilities
Various
6
Various
7
7,452
7,452
Total borrowings
   
160,152
157,754
2
Interest is paid at SONIA plus
1.10% to 2.35% dependent on the Group’s leverage.
3
Not including extension clauses.
4
The average interest rate of lease liabilities is
4.89%.
5
The lease terms are between
2026
2035
.
6
The average interest rate of lease liabilities is 4.1%.
7
The lease terms are between 2025–
2030
.
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
14. Loans, borrowings and lease liabilities
continued
Terms and repayment schedule as at 28 February 2025
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
125
   
 
Total
 
Between
   
 
contractual
Less than
1 and 2
Between
Over
 
cash flows
1 year
years
1
2 and 5 years
5 years
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Revolving credit facility
76,435
3,766
72,669
Convertible bonds
83,423
83,423
Lease liabilities
7,498
4,444
1,890
1,007
157
Total cash flows
167,356
91,633
74,559
1,007
157
Revolving credit facility
On 25 July 2025
, the Group entered into a new £
450.0 million revolving credit facility with
an initial maturity date of 25 July 2028
, with the option to extend for a further two, one-
year periods to 25 July
2030
. On
18
February
2026, the Group extended the revolving
credit facility by a further £
150.0
million to a total available facility of £
600.0
million. This
facility replaced the previous £
325.0
million revolving credit facility which was due to
mature on
30
November
2026
.
Both facilities in place during the year allow draw downs in cash or non-cash to cover bank
guarantees. At 28 February
2026, the cash drawn amount is £230.0
million (FY2025:
£
70.0 million), the non-cash bank guarantee drawn amount is £148.2
million (FY2025:
£
167.0
million) and the undrawn amount on the facility is £
221.8
million (FY2025: £88.0
million).
The £
600.0
million facility in place during the period was unsecured. The previous
£
325.0 million facility in place during the year was secured by a fixed and floating charge
over certain assets of the Group. Interest on the £
600.0
million facility is payable at a
margin of between
1.10% and 2.35% above
SONIA
, while interest on the £325.0
million
facility was payable at a margin of between
1.20% and
2.55
% above
SONIA
, in each case
depending on the Group’s leverage. The actual margin applied during the year ranged
from
1.10% to 1.30%.
1
Not including 1-year extension clause per the revolving credit facility.
The Group was subject to bank covenants and required to comply half-yearly, all of which
have been met during the year. In relation to the facility entered into on 25 July 2025:
(
1
) net debt (inclusive of lease liabilities) to adjusted EBITDA must be no more than
3.0
:
1.0
;
and (2) adjusted EBITDA
to net finance charges must be no less than
4.0:
1.0
. In relation
to the £
325.0
million facility entered into on
26
July 2022: (
1
) net debt (inclusive of lease
liabilities) to adjusted EBITDA must be no more than
3.0
:
1.0
; and (2) adjusted EBITDA to
net finance charges must be no less than
4.0:
1.0
. The test dates for these covenants are
at the reporting period end dates i.e. 28 February and
31
August.
Convertible bonds
On
7
January
2021, Trainline plc announced the launch of an offering of £150.0
million of
senior convertible bonds due in
2026
. Settlement and delivery of convertible bonds took
place on
14
January
2021
.
The total bond offering of £150.0 million covers a five-year term beginning on
14
January
2021
with a
1% per annum coupon payable semi-annually in arrears in equal
instalments. The initial conversion price was set at £
6.6671
representing a premium of
50
% above share price on 7
January
2021
4.4447
).
The bonds were accounted for as a liability of £
150.0
million upon issuance. Directly
allocable fees were offset against the liability and will be unwound over the lifetime of
the instrument. The bond was accounted for as a liability as certain terms and conditions
attached to the bonds meant Trainline plc has an unavoidable obligation to settle in
cash. Subsequent to this, bonds are measured at amortised cost.
On
14
January
2026, the Group’s convertible bond was redeemed in full at maturity.
Accordingly, there were no convertible bonds outstanding subsequent to this date.
As at the
balance sheet date, the Group had no convertible bonds in issuance (
FY2025: £
82.7
million).
Lease liabilities
Additions to lease liabilities in the year relate to a
10-year office lease which commenced
in
FY2026
.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
126
15. Provisions
The Group holds provisions in relation to dilapidations.
Accounting policy
Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost.
The Group provides for the cost of dilapidations in relation to the offices over the
minimum term of the leases. It is expected that the cash flows in relation to provisions
will occur at the end of the lease terms between
2026
and
2035
.
Provisions
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
As at 1 March
952
837
Unwinding of discount
122
65
Increase in provision
1
2,096
50
As at 28 February
3,170
952
Current
1,358
Non-current
1,812
952
 
3,170
952
1
Increase in provision primarily relates to a 10-year office lease which commenced in FY2026
.
16. Share-based payments
During the year the Group has operated a number of equity-settled share-based
payment schemes.
Accounting policy
Equity-settled share-based payment schemes are initially measured at fair value at the
grant date and recognised as a charge in the income statement over the vesting period
based on the Group’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for
the effect of non-market vesting conditions.
A corresponding increase in reserves is also
recognised in equity.
Share-based payment charges recognised within administrative costs
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Share-based payment schemes
13,407
21,445
Total income statement impact
13,407
21,445
The Group operates the following equity-settled share-based payment schemes with a
£nil exercise price:
Share Incentive Plan
The Share Incentive Plan (“SIP
”) was offered to all
UK
Company staff employed at
16
March 2022
, being the grant date. The awards vested on 16
March 2025 and all
employees that had not opted out or left the business between
16
March 2022 and
16
March 2025 were entitled to shares in Trainline plc worth £
3,600
at grant date.
Further SIP
awards were offered to all
UK
Company staff employed at 7
May 2025
, being
the grant date. The awards will vest on
7
May 2028 and all employees that have not
opted out or left the business between
7
May 2025 and
7
May 2028 are entitled to shares
in Trainline plc worth £
3,600
at grant date.
International Share Incentive Plan
The International Share Incentive Plan (“Int SIP
”) was offered to all non-
UK
Company staff
employed at
1
March 2022
, being the grant date. The awards vested on
28 February 2025
and all employees that have not opted out or left the business between
1
March 2022 and
28 February 2025 were entitled to shares in Trainline plc worth £
3,600
at grant date.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
127
16. Share-based payments
continued
Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”)
The Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”) awards Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) to certain
members of the executive team and senior management. The majority of awards vest
evenly in three tranches over a three-year period. All participants that have not left the
business on the vesting date will be entitled to RSUs which each represent the right to
receive one ordinary share in Trainline plc.
Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
The Performance Share Plan (“PSP
”) award is offered to certain members of the Board
and extended leadership team. Awards vest three years after the grant date and are
subject to the Group meeting specified performance conditions. Only participants
that have not left the business at the vesting date will be entitled to PSPs which each
represent the right to receive one ordinary share in Trainline plc.
Matching Shares
From 20 April 2020
, all Company employees were entitled to one free matching share
for every one partnership share they purchase under the SIPs
, subject to remaining
employees for the three-year vesting period.
Deferred Share Bonus Plan (“DSBP”)
The DSBP
was offered to the
CEO and CFO for the purpose of deferring Executive
Director annual bonus in accordance with the Company’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy.
The first award was granted to the
CEO on
30
June 2022 and 50
% vested on 19
May
2023
and a further 50
% vested on
20 May 2024. The second award was granted to the CEO
and CFO on 4 May
2023
and 50
% vested on
20 May 2024 and a further 50
% vested on
12
May 2025. A third award was granted to the CEO and CFO on
3
May 2024 and 50
%
vested on 28 February 2025 and a further 50
% vested on
28 February
2026
. A fourth
award was granted to the CEO and CFO on
7
May 2025 and 50
% will vest on 11
May
2026
and a further 50
% will vest on 10
May
2027
provided participants remain an employee
on vesting dates. Please refer to the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page
78
for
considerations on the CEO departure.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
128
16. Share-based payments
continued
Key assumptions used in valuing the share-based payments were as follows:
Share
Restricted
Performance
Matching share
Deferred Shares
Incentive Plan
Share Plan
Share Plan
award number
Bonus Plan
Exit date
07 May 2028
1 year after
3 years after
3 years after
11 May 2026
2
grant date
1
grant date
grant date
Attrition rate over life of award
3
15%
26%
24%
15%
0%
Weighted average fair value estimated at grant date
£2.69
£2.68
£2.32
£2.57
£2.69
Carrying value and fair value of share-based payment liabilities
The carrying value and fair value of the Group’s equity-settled share-based payment arrangements were determined using option pricing models. Awards with market-based
performance conditions were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation approach. All other awards were valued based on the market value at grant date.
The expense recognised in the year for share-based payments is £13.4
million (FY2025: £
21.4 million), including the relevant employer’s social security contributions.
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Share Incentive Plan
577
689
International Share Incentive Plan
106
Restricted Share Plan
4,088
4,767
Performance Share Plan
7,850
15,028
Matching Shares
178
159
Deferred Share Bonus Plan
714
696
Total income statement impact
13,407
21,445
1
Exit date for first tranche and then annually for following two years’ awards.
2
Exit date for first tranche and the anniversary following the second tranche.
3
Weighted average attrition rate.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
129
16. Share-based payments
continued
The movements in share awards are summarised as follows:
   
 
Share
International Share
Restricted
Performance
 
Deferred Share
Outstanding Number
Incentive Plan
Incentive Plan
Share Plan
Share Plan
Matching Shares
Bonus Plan
At 1 March 2024
824,984
113,715
1,754,983
23,274,151
250,566
251,698
Granted
1,798,347
4,965,514
101,637
174,489
Lapsed
(106,495)
(10,830)
(356,052)
(4,766,664)
(29,697)
Exercised
(179,524)
(3,610)
(308,206)
(1,446,155)
(42,348)
(159,160)
At 28 February 2025
538,965
99,275
2,889,072
22,026,846
280,158
267,027
Granted
1,220,459
2,241,466
7,722,196
129,082
280,564
Lapsed
(161,612)
(493,342)
(3,324,968)
(39,903)
Exercised
(647,995)
(99,275)
(1,488,442)
(10,239,231)
(17,389)
(179,782)
At 28 February 2026
949,817
3,148,754
16,184,843
351,948
367,809
The weighted average share price at the date share options were exercised was £
2.73
(FY2025: £
3.50
). The weighted average remaining contractual life of the share options was
1
year and
1
month (FY2025:
1
year and
3
months).
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
130
17. Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share capital represents the number of shares in issue at their nominal value.
Ordinary shares in the Group are issued, allotted and fully paid up. The holders of
ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are
entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.
Shareholding at 28 February 2026
   
 
Number
£’000
Ordinary shares – £0.01
385,409,753
3,854
Shareholding at 28 February 2025
   
 
Number
£’000
Ordinary shares – £0.01
445,465,480
4,455
In September
2023, the Company commenced a share buyback programme to purchase
its own ordinary shares. In May 2024
, the Company announced an additional share
buyback programme to purchase its own ordinary shares following the completion of
the September
2023
programme.
In March 2025
, Trainline plc announced the commencement of a share buyback
programme for up to a maximum consideration of £
75.0
million following completion
of the May 2024 programme. In September 2025
, the Company announced a further
share buyback programme to purchase its own ordinary shares following the completion
of the March 2025 programme for up to a maximum consideration of £
150.0
million.
The total number of shares bought back in
FY2026
was
60,
055
,727
shares (FY2025:
25
,566,606
shares) with a nominal value of £
600,557
(FY2025: £255
,666
) representing
16% (
FY2025:
6%) of the ordinary shares in issue (excluding shares held in treasury).
All shares bought back in
FY2026
were cancelled.
The shares were acquired on the open market at a total consideration (excluding costs)
of £
151.4
million (FY2025: £88.8 million). The maximum and minimum prices paid were
£
3.15
(FY2025: £4.42) and £
1.87
(FY2025: £
2.93
) per share respectively. The average price
paid was £2.52 (FY2025: £
3.47
). Costs incurred on the purchase of own shares in relation
to stamp duty and broker expenses were £
909,642
(FY2025: £
534,134
).
Share premium
Share premium represents the amount over the nominal value which was received by
the Group upon the sale of the ordinary shares. Upon the date of listing, the nominal
value of shares was £
1.00
(subsequently reduced to £
0.01
in FY2020) but the initial
offering price was £3.50
.
Share premium is stated net of any direct costs relating to the issue of shares.
On
19
December
2023, the High Court of Justice approved the cancellation of the
amount standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account in full. The
cancellation resulted in a corresponding increase in the Group’s distributable reserves.
Retained earnings
Retained earnings represents the profit the Group makes that is not distributed as
dividends. No dividends have been paid outside the Group in any year.
Foreign exchange
The foreign exchange reserve represents the net difference on the translation of the
statement of financial position and income statements of foreign operations from
functional currency into reporting currency over the period such operations have been
owned by the Group.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
131
17. Capital and reserves
continued
Other reserves
 
Merger
Treasury
Share-based
Capital redemption
Total other
 
reserve
reserve
payment reserve
reserve
reserves
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 1 March 2024
(1,122,218)
(29,762)
39,159
97
(1,112,724)
Addition of treasury shares
(17,143)
(17,143)
Allocation of treasury shares to fulfil share-based payment
8,813
(8,813)
Share-based payment charge
20,461
20,461
Deferred tax on share-based payment
(653)
(653)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
255
255
Transfer to retained earnings
1
(670)
(670)
At 28 February 2025
(1,122,218)
(38,092)
49,484
352
(1,110,474)
Addition of treasury shares
(14,631)
(14,631)
Allocation of treasury shares to fulfil share-based payment
31,853
(31,853)
Share-based payment charge
11,812
11,812
Deferred tax on share-based payment
(4,057)
(4,057)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
601
601
Transfer to retained earnings
1
8,252
8,252
At 28 February 2026
(1,122,218)
(20,870)
33,638
953
(1,108,497)
Merger reserve
Prior to the initial public offering (“
IPO
”), the ordinary shares of the pre-
IPO
top company, Victoria Investments
S.C.A
., were acquired by Trainline plc.
As the ultimate shareholders
and their relating rights did not change as part of this transaction, this was treated as a common control transaction under
IFRS. The balance of the merger reserve represents the
difference between the nominal value of the reserves from the Victoria Investments
S.C.A. Group and the value of reserves in Trainline plc prior to the restructure.
Treasury reserve
Treasury shares reflect the value of shares held by the Group’s Employee Benefit Trusts (“
EBT”). At 28 February
2026, the Group’s
EBT held 8.2 million shares (FY2025:
13.1
million)
which have a historical cost of £
20.9
million (FY2025: £
38.1
million).
1
Transfer to retained earnings relates to the difference between the share price at grant date of the exercised shares and the actual cost of the treasury shares purchased to fulfil the share-based payment.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
132
17. Capital and reserves
continued
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve is built up of charges in relation to equity-settled
share-based payment arrangements which have been recognised within the profit and
loss account.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of shares bought back
and cancelled.
18. Other employee benefits
This note explains the accounting policies governing the Group’s pension schemes and
details the calculations and actuarial assumptions related to these.
The majority of the Group’s employees are members of a defined contribution pension
scheme. Additionally, the Group operates one defined benefit pension plan which is
closed to new entrants.
For defined contribution schemes, the Group pays contributions into separate funds
on behalf of the employee and has no further obligations to employees. The risks
associated with this type of plan are assumed by the member. Contributions paid by the
Group in respect of the current year are included within Note
6
.
The defined benefit scheme is a pension arrangement under which participating
members receive a pension benefit at retirement determined by the scheme rules, salary
and length of pensionable service. The income statement charge for the defined benefit
scheme is the current/past service cost and the net interest cost which is the change
in the net defined benefit liability that arises from the passage of time. The Group
underwrites both financial and demographic risks associated with this type of plan.
Accounting policy
(i) Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided.
A
liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid if there is a present legal or
constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the
employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.
(ii) Defined contribution plans
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed as the related
service is provided. Prepaid contribution is recognised as an asset to the extent that a
cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.
(iii) Defined benefit plans
The Group participates in a defined benefit scheme which is closed to new members.
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group. Pension scheme
assets are measured using market values.
The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately by
estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in the current and
prior years, discounting that amount and deducting the fair value of any plan assets.
The calculation of defined benefit obligations is performed every year end by a qualified
actuary using the projected unit credit method and discounted at the current rate of
return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability.
When the calculation results in a potential asset for the Group, the recognised asset
is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future
refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. To calculate the
present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any applicable minimum
funding requirements.
The scheme is subject to an asset ceiling, meaning when the scheme is remeasured and
shows a net asset position an asset ceiling is applied equal to this amount, meaning
the Group recognises no asset on its statement of financial position. This is because the
Group does not have an irrevocable right to the surplus of the scheme. If the scheme is
in a net deficit the Group would recognise the liability.
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability, which comprises actuarial gains and
losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if
any, excluding interest), is recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. The
Group determines the net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability
(asset) for the year by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit
obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability
(asset), taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability (asset) during
the year as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest expense and
other expenses related to defined benefit plans are recognised in the income statement.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
133
18. Other employee benefits
continued
Accounting policy
continued
(iii) Defined benefit plans
continued
When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting
change in benefit that relates to past service or the gain or loss on curtailment is
recognised immediately in the income statement. The Group recognises gains and
losses on the settlement of a defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs.
(iv) Termination benefits
Termination benefits are expensed at the earlier of when the Group can no longer
withdraw the offer of those benefits and when the Group recognises costs for a
restructuring. If benefits are not expected to be settled wholly within 12
months of the
end of the reporting period, then they are discounted.
Defined benefit pension plan
(a) The Scheme
Qjump Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, operates a defined benefit pension scheme
which is closed to new entrants. The Qjump Shared Cost Section of the Railways
Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”) is a funded scheme and provides benefits based on
final pensionable pay. The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the
Company and are managed by Railpen. The Trustees of Railpen are responsible for
governance of the plan and for appointing members to the Railpen Boards. As the
scheme is currently in an asset position, no contributions are expected from the Group
in the coming year, apart from to cover the scheme administration costs.
Triennial valuation
The most recent published actuarial valuation was carried out by the Scheme Actuary as
at
31
December 2022.
IAS 19 Employee benefits valuation
The IAS
19 valuations of the defined benefit pension scheme have been updated at each
year end, the latest being
28 February
2026 by qualified independent actuaries Willis
Towers Watson Ltd. The main financial assumptions applied in the valuations and an
analysis of schemes’ assets are as follows:
(i) Actuarial assumptions
The following were the principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed
as weighted averages).
   
 
2026
2025
 
% pa
% pa
Discount rate
5.75
5.70
Price inflation (RPI measure)
3.00
3.05
Increases to deferred pensions (CPI measure)
2.70
2.70
Pension increase (CPI measure)
2.70
2.70
Salary increase
n/a
n/a
The discounted mean term of the defined benefit obligation was 15
years at the
reporting date.
Assumptions regarding future mortality have been based on published statistics and
mortality tables. The current longevities underlying the values of the defined benefit
obligation at the reporting date were as follows:
   
 
2026
2025
 
years
years
Longevity at age 65 for current pensioners
   
Males
19.4
19.3
Females
22.3
22.2
Longevity at age 65 for current members aged 45
   
Males
20.8
20.5
Females
23.8
23.7
Assumptions used are best estimates from a range of possible actuarial assumptions,
which may not necessarily be borne out in practice.
Given the net position is not significant, changes in assumptions are not likely to impact
the valuation significantly.
When defined benefit funds have an
IAS
19 surplus, they are recorded at the lower of
that surplus and the future economic benefits available in the form of a cash refund or
a reduction in future contributions. Any adjustment to the surplus is recorded in other
comprehensive income.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
134
18. Other employee benefits
continued
Defined benefit pension plan
continued
(a) The Scheme
continued
IAS 19 Employee benefits valuation
continued
2026
2025
Liability
£’000
£’000
Deferred members
(2,392)
(2,262)
Pensioner members (including dependants)
(668)
(725)
Total
(3,060)
(2,987)
Assets
Value of assets at end of year
3,896
3,761
Funded status at end of year
836
774
Adjustment for the members’ share of surplus
(334)
(310)
Effect of asset ceiling
(502)
(464)
Net defined benefit at end of year
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Employer’s share of administration cost
13
13
Total employer’s share of service cost
13
13
Employer’s share of pension expense
13
13
(ii) Other comprehensive income (OCI)
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Loss / (gain) due to the liability expense
19
(6)
Gain due to the liability assumption changes
(17)
(252)
Adjustment for the members’ share
16
(97)
Return on plan assets (greater)/less than discount rate
(43)
503
Change in effect of the asset ceiling
12
(161)
Total gain recognised in OCI
(13)
(13)
(b) Movements in net defined benefit liability
The following table shows the reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing
balances for net defined benefit liability and its components.
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Defined benefit obligation
Opening balance
2,987
3,157
Interest cost
168
162
Defined benefit obligation
3,155
3,319
Actuarial gain arising from:
Financial assumptions
(21)
(248)
Experience adjustment
19
(6)
Demographic adjustment
4
(4)
2
(258)
Other
Benefits paid
(97)
(74)
Closing balance
3,060
2,987
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
135
18. Other employee benefits
continued
Defined benefit pension plan
continued
(b) Movements in net defined benefit liability
continued
Reconciliation of value of assets:
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Opening value of scheme assets
3,761
4,147
Interest income on assets
211
213
Return on plan assets less than discount rate
43
(503)
Employer and employee contributions
Actual benefit payments
(97)
(74)
Administration costs
(22)
(22)
Closing value of scheme assets
3,896
3,761
(c) Plan assets
Plan assets comprise:
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Growth assets
1
768
681
Government bonds
1,662
1,577
Non-government bonds
875
879
Other assets
591
624
3,896
3,761
All equity securities and government bonds have both quoted prices in active markets
and unquoted prices.
1
Includes funds with a growth focus, predominantly comprising global equity securities and infrastructure assets.
(d) Risk exposure
Through its defined benefit pension plans, the Group is exposed to a number of risks,
the most significant of which are detailed below:
Asset volatility:
There is a risk that a fall in asset values is not matched by a
corresponding reduction in the value placed on the Scheme’s defined benefit
obligation. The Scheme holds a proportion of growth assets, which are expected
to outperform corporate and government bond yields in the long term, but gives
exposure to volatility and risk in the short term.
Change in bond yields:
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the value
placed on the Scheme’s defined benefit obligation, although this will be partially offset
by an increase in the value of the Scheme’s corporate bond holdings.
Inflation risk:
The majority of the Scheme’s defined benefit obligation is linked to
inflation, where higher inflation will lead to a higher value being placed on the defined
benefit obligation. Some of the Scheme’s assets are either unaffected by inflation
or loosely correlated with inflation (e.g. growth assets), meaning that an increase in
inflation will generally increase the deficit.
Life expectancy:
An increase in life expectancy will lead to an increased value being
placed on the Scheme’s defined benefit obligation. Future mortality rates cannot be
predicted with certainty.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
136
18. Other employee benefits
continued
Defined benefit pension plan
continued
(e) Sensitivity analysis
A
quantitative sensitivity analysis for significant assumptions as at
28 February is shown
below:
   
 
Approximate change in
 
defined benefit obligation
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Discount rate
   
0.25% decrease
108
109
0.25% increase
(102)
(103)
Price inflation (CPI measure)
   
0.25% decrease
(103)
(105)
0.25% increase
109
110
Life expectancy
   
Decrease by 1 year
(91)
(85)
Increase by 1 year
88
81
The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all
other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some
of the assumptions might be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined
benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method has been
applied as when calculating the defined benefit liability recognised in the balance sheet.
The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not
change compared to the prior year.
(f) Funding arrangements
Under the UK
’s scheme-specific funding regime, contributions are payable in line with
the Schedule of Contributions from the most recent formal actuarial valuation. There are
no contributions expected for next year.
19. Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
The table below details changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including
both cash and non-cash changes.
   
 
Loans and
Lease
 
 
borrowings
liabilities
 
 
(current and
(current and
 
 
non-current)
non-current)
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
Balance at 1 March 2025
151,130
7,452
158,582
Changes from cash flows
     
Interest paid
(7,976)
(200)
(8,176)
Issue costs and fees
(4,105)
(4,105)
Repayment of convertible bonds
(82,700)
(82,700)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
400,000
400,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility
(240,000)
(240,000)
Payments of lease liabilities
1
(5,020)
(5,020)
Total changes from financing cash flows
65,219
(5,220)
59,999
Other changes
     
Amortisation of transaction costs
3,032
3,032
Net interest expense
7,748
1,291
9,039
Addition of lease liabilities
31,138
31,138
Remeasurement of lease liabilities
156
156
Balance at 28 February 2026
227,129
34,817
261,946
1
Cash outflows for payments of lease liabilities, excluding lease incentive inflow of £
4.0 million.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
137
19. Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
continued
   
 
Loans and
Lease
 
 
borrowings
liabilities
 
 
(current and
(current and
 
 
non-current)
non-current)
Total
 
£’000
£’000
£’000
Balance at 1 March 2024
140,785
12,328
153,113
Changes from cash flows
     
Interest paid
(6,578)
(287)
(6,865)
Issue costs and fees
(813)
(813)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
180,000
180,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility
(170,000)
(170,000)
Payments of lease liabilities
(4,906)
(4,906)
Total changes from financing cash flows
2,609
(5,193)
(2,584)
Other changes
     
Amortisation of transaction costs
1,172
1,172
Net interest expense
6,564
287
6,851
Remeasurement of lease liabilities
30
30
Balance at 28 February 2025
151,130
7,452
158,582
20. Financial instruments
Financial instruments comprise financial assets and financial liabilities.
Accounting definitions
Financial assets
The Group classifies its non-derivative financial assets into the following categories: cash
and cash equivalents, and trade and other receivables. The classification depends on
the purpose for which the assets are held. The classification is first performed at initial
recognition and then re-evaluated at every reporting date for financial assets other than
those held at fair value through the income statement.
(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits.
The carrying value of cash in the statement of financial position is valued at amortised cost.
(ii) Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value. Subsequent to initial
recognition, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method,
less any impairment losses. Trade and other receivables are presented in current assets
in the statement of financial position, except for those with maturities greater than one
year after the reporting date.
Trade and other receivables, classified as financial assets, exclude prepayments and
contract assets.
Financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities into the following categories: trade and other
payables, loans and borrowings, other non-current liabilities, and lease liabilities.
(i) Trade and other payables
Trade payables and accruals, which include amounts owed to carriers in respect of ticket
sale monies that the Group has collected on their behalf and amounts due to other
suppliers for general business expenditure, are initially recognised at fair value less any
directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities
are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Trade and other payables are classified as financial liabilities, excluding contract liabilities
and accruals.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
138
20. Financial Instruments continued
Accounting definitions
continued
Financial assets
continued
(ii) Loans and borrowings
The financial liabilities recognised in this category include loan facilities, convertible
bonds and preference shares held by the Group and are presented in borrowings in both
current and non-current liabilities in the statement of financial position.
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at
amortised cost using the effective interest method.
(iii) Lease liabilities
The Group recognises lease liabilities for leases within the scope of IFRS
16
‘Leases’.
Financial risk management
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management
framework seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial
performance.
(i) Risk management framework
The Group’s Directors have overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of
the Group’s risk management framework.
The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks
faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls and to monitor risks and
adherence to conditions and the Group’s activities. The Group, through its training and
management standards and procedures, aims to maintain a disciplined and constructive
control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations.
(ii) Market risk
Market risk is the risk of losses in positions arising from movements in market variables.
The Group was exposed to movements in SONIA on its variable rate revolving credit
facility (see Note
14) and the Group has transactional foreign currency exposures, which
arise from sales and purchases by the relevant segment in currencies other than the
Group’s functional currency. Based on sensitivity analysis performed, an increase in
the interest rate of
100
basis points would have decreased
FY2026 profit after tax by
£
1.2
million
1
(FY2025: decrease by £
0.7 million), and a decrease in the interest rate of
100
basis points would have increased
FY2026 profit after tax by £1.2
million
1
(FY2025:
increase of £
0.7
million).
(iii) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a
financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from
the Group’s receivables from customers. Trade receivables are assessed for risk of
default by customers on a periodic basis and terms of trade are adjusted accordingly.
Default is defined as when a financial asset is 90 days past due, this being the rebuttal
presumption in IFRS
9
. Trade receivables are insured on risk and cost grounds.
Under the terms of the Group’s retail licenses, carriers require certain security
arrangements with the Group in order to mitigate its credit risk under the payment
and settlement procedures outlined in the licences. The Group satisfies these security
arrangements through bank guarantees from the Group’s lenders. The bank guarantees
are provided under the Group’s revolving credit facility, details of which are included in
Note
14
.
Debt is reviewed on a weekly basis and any customers who fall overdue are chased
immediately, if payment is not received and the account is put on hold until previous debts
are cleared. Exposures to customers are regularly reviewed and management will make
a decision on remedial action to be taken. The expected credit loss as at 28 February
2026
was £0.4 million (FY2025: £0.4 million). Indicators that there is no reasonable
expectation of recovery may include customers who have gone into administration.
1
Excluding potential finance interest income upside.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
139
20. Financial Instruments
continued
Accounting definitions
continued
Financial risk management
continued
(iv) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the
obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or
another financial asset. The Group’s approach is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will
have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and
stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the
Group’s reputation.
The Group maintains a daily cash forecast in order to ensure that it has sufficient
liquidity to cover all expected cash flows including scheduled repayment of debt.
In addition, a revolving credit facility is in place under which the Group is able to draw
down cash of up to £
600.0
million. Of the £
600.0
million facility in place at 28 February
2026, £103.9
million (FY2025: £
121.8
million) was utilised by a guarantee provided to the
Rail Settlement Plan Limited. A further £
44.3
million (FY2025: £45.2 million) was utilised
by guarantees provided to International Train Operating Companies. The remaining
headroom on the revolving credit facility at 28 February
2026
was £
221.8
million (FY2025:
£88.0
million), which is available to draw in cash or bank guarantees.
The Group was subject to bank covenants, all of which have been met during the year.
In relation to the facility entered into on 25 July 2025: (
1
) net debt (inclusive of lease
liabilities) to adjusted EBITDA must be no more than
3.00
:
1
; and (2) adjusted EBITDA to
net finance charges must be no less than
4.00:
1
.
Capital Management
Trainline’s primary use of capital is to invest behind its strategic priorities to drive
organic growth and deliver attractive and sustainable rates of return. The Group may
supplement that with inorganic investment, should it help accelerate delivery of the
Group’s strategic growth priorities. The Group’s capital structure consists of both equity
and net debt. Trainline will continue to manage debt leverage, including retaining a
prudent and appropriate level of liquidity headroom should unforeseen circumstances
arise. Any surplus capital thereafter may be returned to shareholders, including through
repurchase of Trainline’s shares. Ongoing schemes to repurchase Trainline’s shares as at
28 February
2026
are not committed.
21. Leases
Accounting policy
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether or not a contract is, or contains,
a lease. A
contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the
use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. When a
lease is recognised in a contract the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease
liability at the lease commencement date.
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount
of the lease liability adjusted for any lease prepayments made at or before the
commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to
dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the
site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is
subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date
to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease
term. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use assets are based on the length of the
leases. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses,
if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that
are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit
in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental
borrowing rate based on the rate of interest that the Group paid on borrowings at the
date of lease inception.
The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change
in an index or rate, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise
a purchase, extension or termination option. If there is an extension on the lease
term that is not considered a new lease, the lease liability is remeasured using revised
payments and a revised discount rate at the date of the modification.
A corresponding
adjustment is made to the right-of-use asset.
The Group presents right-of-use assets in property, plant and equipment and lease
liabilities in loans and borrowings in the statement of financial position.
The Group leases assets including office buildings that are held within property, plant
and equipment. Information about leases for which the Group is a lessee is presented
overleaf.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
140
21. Leases
continued
Accounting policy
continued
a) Right-of-use assets
Details of right-of-use assets are disclosed in Note 11
.
b) Lease liabilities in the statement of financial position
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Current liabilities
2,480
4,345
Non-current liabilities
32,337
3,107
 
34,817
7,452
The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note
14
.
c) Amounts charged in the income statement
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets
6,557
4,292
Interest expense in lease liabilities
1,291
287
 
7,848
4,579
d) Cash outflow
   
 
2026
2025
 
£’000
£’000
Total cash outflow for leases
5,220
5,193
22. List of subsidiaries
The Group holds, directly or indirectly, share capital in the following companies:
   
 
Country of
 
Registered
Nature of
Name of company
Incorporation
Ownership
Address
business
Victoria Investments
       
Finco Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Holding
Victoria Investments
       
Intermediate Holdco Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Holding
Trainline International Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Holding
Trainline France SAS
France
100%
b
Holding
Trainline SAS
France
100%
b
Trading
Trainline.com Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Trading
Qjump Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Trading
Trainline Italia S.R.L
Italy
100%
c
Holding
Trainline España, S.L.
Spain
100%
d
Holding
Trainline Deutschland TLD GmbH
1
Germany
100%
e
In liquidation
Railguard Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Dormant
Trainline Holdco Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Holding
Signalbox Technologies Limited
United Kingdom
100%
a
Trading
Registered address key:
a
1 Stonecutter Street, London,
EC4A
4AH
b
20
rue Saint Georges, 75009
Paris
c
Corso Vercelli,
40
20145 Milan, Italy
d
Carrer d’Avila
112, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
e
Reinhardtstraße
31, 10117, Berlin, Germany
1
Subsidiary went into liquidation on
28 February 2025.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Notes
141
22. List of subsidiaries
continued
The following subsidiaries are exempt from the Companies Act
2006
requirements
relating to the audit of their individual Financial Statements by virtue of Section
479A
of the Act as Trainline plc has guaranteed the subsidiary companies under Section
479C
of the Act:
Victoria Investments Finco Limited registered no.
09394939
Qjump Limited registered no.
04124436
Trainline Holdco Limited registered no. 12098773
Victoria Investments Intermediate Holdco Limited registered no. 09451259
Trainline International Limited registered no.
06881309
Signalbox Technologies Limited registered no.
08736138
Railguard Limited registered no.
09621101
was entitled to exemption from audit under
section 480 of the Companies Act
2006
relating to dormant companies.
23. Related parties
During the year, the Group entered into transactions in the ordinary course of business
with related parties.
Transactions with key management personnel of the Group
Key management personnel are defined as the Board of Directors, including Non-
executive Directors.
During the year key management personnel have received the following compensation:
short-term employee benefits £
4
,559,411
(FY2025: £8
,
524
,526); post-employment
benefits £64,698
(FY2025: £
62,074); and ongoing share-based payment schemes
£2
,566,
424 (FY2025: £
3,778,778 ). No other long-term benefits or termination benefits
were paid (FY2025
: £nil). The highest paid director received: short-term employee
benefits £
2
,340,071
(FY2025: £5
,
050
,
822
); post-employment benefits £39,912
(FY2025:
£
38,
250
); and ongoing share-based payment schemes £1,572,372
(FY2025: £2
,562,309
).
There were no directors to whom retirement benefits were accruing under defined
contribution schemes (FY2025: nil).
Information on the emoluments of the Directors who served during the year, together
with information regarding the beneficial interest of the Directors in the ordinary shares
of the Company, is included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 72
to 84.
At 28 February
2026, key management personnel held 1,535,637
shares in Trainline plc
(FY2025:
673,700
shares).
24. Capital commitments
This note details any capital commitments in contracts that the Group has entered which
have not been recognised as liabilities on the balance sheet.
The Group’s capital commitments at 28 February
2026
are £
1.2
million (FY2025: £nil).
These relate to final fit-out costs for the new London office.
25. Post balance sheet events
There have been no material post balance sheet events between 28 February
2026
and
the date of approval of these Financial Statements.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
142
When assessing and discussing financial performance, certain alternative performance
measures (“
APMs
”) of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash
flows are used which are not defined or specified under
IFRS. APMs
are used to improve
the comparability of information between reporting periods and operating segments.
APMs
should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to,
measures reported in accordance with
IFRS.
APMs
are not uniformly defined by all companies. Accordingly, the
APMs
used may not
be comparable with similarly titled measures and disclosures made by other companies.
These measures are used on a supplemental basis as they are considered to be
indicators of the underlying performance and success of the Group.
Net ticket sales
1
Net ticket sales represent the gross value of ticket sales to customers, less the value of
refunds issued, during the accounting period via
B2C
or Trainline Solutions channels.
The Group acts as an agent or technology provider in these transactions. Net ticket sales
do not represent the Group’s revenue.
Management believe net ticket sales are a meaningful measure of the Group’s operating
performance and size of operations as this reflects the value of transactions powered
by the Group’s platform. The rate of growth in net ticket sales may differ to the rate of
growth in revenue due to the mix of commission rates and service fees.
Adjusted EBITDA
The Group believes that adjusted
EBITDA
is a meaningful measure of the Group’s
operating performance and debt servicing ability without regard to amortisation
and depreciation methods as well as share-based payment charges which can differ
significantly.
Adjusted
EBITDA
is calculated as profit after tax before net financing income/(expense),
tax, depreciation and amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payment charges.
Exceptional items are excluded as management believe their nature could distort trends
in the Group’s underlying earnings. This is because they are one-off in nature or not
related to underlying trade. Share-based payment charges are also excluded as they can
fluctuate significantly year on year.
1
Net ticket sales is not subject to audit as it is a non-statutory measure.
Alternative performance measures
A reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
2026
2025
Notes
£’000
£’000
Operating profit
122,427
85,578
Adjusting items:
Depreciation and amortisation
10,11
40,814
43,167
Share-based payment charges
16
13,407
21,445
Exceptional items
4
8,945
Adjusted EBITDA
176,648
159,135
Adjusted earnings
Adjusted earnings is a measure used by the Group to monitor the underlying
performance of the business, excluding certain non-cash and exceptional costs.
Adjusted earnings is calculated as profit after tax with share-based payment charges
in administrative expenses, exceptional items and amortisation of acquired intangibles
added back, together with the current and deferred tax impact of these adjustments
also added back.
Exceptional items are excluded as management believe their nature could distort trends
in the Group’s underlying earnings. Share-based payment charges are also excluded as
they can fluctuate significantly year on year and are a non-cash charge to the business.
Amortisation of acquired intangibles is a non-cash accounting adjustment relating to
previous acquisitions and is not linked to the ongoing trade of the Group.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
continued
Alternative performance measures
143
A reconciliation from the profit after tax to adjusted earnings is as follows:
2026
2025
Notes
£’000
£’000
Profit after tax
79,813
58,348
Earnings attributable to equity holders
79,813
58,348
Adjusting items:
Exceptional items
4
8,945
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
1
10
700
5,605
Share-based payment charges
16
13,407
21,445
Tax impact of the above adjustments
2,975
(9,012)
Adjusted earnings
96,895
85,331
1
This consists of the amortisation of brand valuation of £
0.3
million (
FY2025
: £
5.2
million) and customer valuation
of £
0.4
million (
FY2025
: £
0.4
million).
Net debt
Net debt is a measure used by the Group to measure the overall debt position after
taking into account cash held by the Group. Net debt represents the aggregate amount
of loans and borrowings as disclosed in Note
14
(excluding lease liabilities and accrued
interest on bank loans) and associated directly attributable transaction costs after taking
into account cash held by the Group.
The calculation of net debt is as follows:
2026
2025
1
Notes
£’000
£’000
Loans and borrowings
2
14
(230,000)
(152,700)
Cash and cash equivalents
59,703
76,757
Net debt
(170,297)
(75,943)
1
Prior year represented to follow current year presentation, excluding lease liabilities of £
34.8
million (
FY2025:
£7.5 million).
2
This amount is the aggregate amount of loans and borrowings as disclosed in Note
14
amounting to £226.5
million (
FY2025
: £
150.3
million) and the capitalised finance charges amounting to £
3.5
million (
FY2025
: £
2.4
million).
Adjusted free cash flow
The Group uses adjusted free cash flow as a supplementary measure of liquidity.
Adjusted free cash flow has been added as a Non-GAAP measure in FY2026
as
management believe it is a more accurate reflection of cash flows available to
shareholders than operating free cash flow.
The Group defines adjusted free cash flow as cash generated from operating activities
after adding back cash exceptional items and one-off cash items. Cash flows in relation
to the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, excluding those
acquired through business combinations or trade and asset purchases, and cash flows
in relation to taxes, interest, lease payments and treasury share purchases are also
deducted. One-off cash items in the year relate to the purchase of property, plant and
equipment for new office leases.
The calculation of adjusted free cash flow is as follows:
2026
2025
£’000
£’000
Cash generated from operating activities
146,840
147,234
Cash one-off
14,085
5,193
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and intangible
assets
(53,472)
(42,311)
Net cash paid on taxes and interest
(21,797)
(15,615)
Cash paid on lease liabilities and interest on lease liabilities
(5,220)
(5,193)
Cash paid on treasury share purchases
(14,631)
(17,143)
Adjusted free cash flow
65,805
72,165
Parent Company balance sheet
At 28 February 2026
   
   
2026
2025
 
Notes
£’000
£’000
Non-current assets
     
Investments
3
1,297,001
1,892,409
Amounts owing from subsidiaries
5
234,193
220,000
   
1,531,194
2,112,409
Current assets
     
Cash and cash equivalents
 
9,842
9,311
Trade and other receivables
 
613
709
Amounts owing from subsidiaries
5
35,257
   
10,455
45,277
Current liabilities
     
Trade and other payables
 
(9,355)
(4,642)
Amounts owing to subsidiaries
5
(370,978)
(273,808)
Loans and borrowings
6
(600)
(83,025)
   
(380,933)
(361,475)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
 
(370,478)
(316,198)
Total assets less current liabilities
 
1,160,716
1,796,211
Non-current liabilities
     
Loans and borrowings
6
(226,529)
(68,100)
   
(226,529)
(68,100)
Net assets
 
934,187
1,728,111
   
   
2026
2025
 
Notes
£’000
£’000
Equity
     
Called up share capital
8
3,854
4,455
Share premium account
8
Capital redemption reserve
8
953
352
Retained earnings
8
929,380
1,723,304
Total equity
 
934,187
1,728,111
The notes on pages 146 to
150
form part of the Financial Statements. The Financial
Statements on pages
144
to
150
were approved by the Board of Directors of Trainline plc
(registered number 11961132) on
5
May 2026 and were signed on behalf of the Board.
In accordance with Section
408
of the Companies Act 2006, the Company is exempt from
the requirement to present its own income statement and statement of comprehensive
income. The Company’s loss for the year was £637.5 million (
FY2025
: loss £38.7 million),
primarily attributable to the £595.4 million impairment charge as disclosed in Note
3.
Peter Wood
Jody Ford
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer
5
May 2026
5
May 2026
Docusign Envelope ID: 740A35FC-506D-87FE-82F2-B6E9C97FF9C1
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
144
Parent Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 28 February 2026:
Capital
Share
Share
redemption
Retained
Total
capital
premium
reserve
earnings
equity
Notes
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 1 March 2025
4,455
352
1,723,304
1,728,111
Loss after tax
(637,536)
(637,536)
Share-based payments
(4,083)
(4,083)
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
8
(601)
601
(152,305)
(152,305)
Balance at 28 February 2026
3,854
953
929,380
934,187
For the year ended 28 February 2025:
Capital
Share
Share
redemption
Retained
Total
capital
premium
reserve
earnings
equity
Notes
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 1 March 2024
4,710
97
1,839,696
1,844,503
Loss after tax
(38,704)
(38,704)
Share-based payments
11,660
11,660
Purchase of own shares for cancellation
8
(255)
255
(89,348)
(89,348)
Balance at 28 February 2025
4,455
352
1,723,304
1,728,111
The notes on pages 146 to
150
form part of the Financial Statements.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
Financial Statements
145
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements are presented in pound sterling (£GBP), rounded to the
nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated. These Financial Statements were prepared in
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard
101
Reduced Disclosure Framework (“
FRS
101
”).
In preparing these Financial Statements, the Company applies the recognition,
measurement and disclosure requirements of International Accounting Standards
in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“Adopted
IFRSs
”),
but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with the Companies Act
2006 and has set out below where advantage of the
FRS 101
disclosure exemptions
has been taken. The Company’s principal activity is that of a holding company of the
Trainline Group, whose principal activities are the provision of online rail and coach
ticketing services.
These Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Further
details are given in the Going Concern Statement on page 107. After due consideration,
the Directors consider that the Company has adequate resources to meet its liabilities
as they fall due and remain in operation for the going concern assessment period.
As
at
28
February 2026, the Company was in a net current liability position of £370.5 million
(
FY2025
: £316.2 million net current liability). The Group has in place bank guarantees
that can be utilised to settle trade creditor balances. Bank Guarantees are issued by
lenders under the Group’s revolving credit facility (which the Company has access to)
and therefore reduce the Group’s remaining available facility. The Group and in turn
the Company has access to £
221.8
million of additional funds under its revolving credit
facility (
FY2025
: £
88.0
million) with bank guarantees of £
148.2
million (
FY2025
: £167.0
million) covering the rail creditor liability. Further to this, the Group has amounts owing
from subsidiaries of £
234.2
million classified as non-current assets. These amounts are
repayable on demand and should it be required, Trainline plc will seek repayment of
these assets.
As
such the Company has sufficient liquidity to sufficiently cover the net
current liability position.
Accordingly, the Board are satisfied that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern
basis of accounting in preparing these Parent Company Financial Statements.
As
permitted by
FRS 101
, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure
exemptions available under that standard in relation to share-based payments, financial
instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect
of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet effective,
impairment of fixed and intangible assets and certain related party transactions. Where
required, equivalent disclosures are given in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As
permitted by section
408
(
4
) of the Companies Act 2006, a separate income statement
and statement of comprehensive income for the Company has not been included in
these Financial Statements. The principal accounting policies adopted are described
below. They have all been applied consistently to all years presented.
Amounts receivable by the Company’s auditors and its associates in respect of services
to the Company and its associates, other than the audit of the Company’s Financial
Statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be
disclosed on a consolidated basis in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Key Source of Estimation Uncertainty
The following estimate is deemed critical as it has been identified by Management as
one which is subject to a high degree of estimation uncertainty.
Note 3 – Investment impairment test: key assumptions underlying recoverable
amounts
The Company’s investment in subsidiaries has been subject to an impairment test, as
the market capitalisation is lower at year end than the carrying value and therefore is
considered an indicator of impairment under
IAS
36. Accordingly, the Company has
assessed the recoverable amount of its investment in subsidiaries. The recoverable value
has been determined to be the value-in-use.
The assessment of the recoverable amount requires the determination of appropriate
assumptions, which comprise key sources of estimation uncertainty. The principal
assumptions relate to estimating the future cash flows and the time period over which
they will occur, the pre-tax discount rate and the terminal growth rate applied beyond
the forecast period. Estimation uncertainty arises due to changing economic and
market factors.
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
146
Financial Statements
2. Employee benefit expenses
Staff costs presented in this note reflect the total wage, tax, pension and share-based
payment charge relating to employees of the Company. These costs are allocated
between administrative expenses and cost of sales. The allocation between these areas
is dependent on the area of business the employee works in and the activities they
have undertaken.
Average number of full-time equivalent employees
2026
Number of
employees
2025
Number of
employees
Management and administration
8
9
Total number of employees
1
8
9
1
In determining the monthly employee numbers, in respect of leavers and joiners, monthly figures are
prorated to reflect partial periods of employment within the relevant month.
Employee benefits expense
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Wages and salaries
5,739
5,628
Social security contributions
922
818
Contributions to defined contribution plans
118
96
Share-based payment expense
1,612
2,132
Total employee benefits
8,391
8,674
Information on the emoluments of the Directors who served during the year, together
with information regarding the beneficial interest of the Directors in the ordinary shares
of the Company is included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 72 to
84.
3. Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any provision for impairment.
The investment relates to the Company’s investment in Trainline Holdco Limited.
2026
£’000
2025
£’000
Opening balance
1,892,409
1,892,409
Impairment
(595,408)
Closing balance
1,297,001
1,892,409
Assessment of carrying value of investments in subsidiaries
The Company’s investment in subsidiaries has been subject to an impairment test, as
the market capitalisation is lower at year end than the carrying value and therefore
is considered an indicator of impairment under
IAS
36. Accordingly, the Company
has assessed the recoverable amount of its investment in subsidiary. The recoverable
amount is determined as the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value-
in-use based on estimated future cash flows that are discounted to their present value.
Hence, when calculating both the value-in-use and fair value less costs of disposal,
management have determined that the higher of these is now the value-in-use and as
such this represents the recoverable amount.
In prior periods, the recoverable amount of the investment was supported by the fair
value less costs of disposal, determined by the fact that the Company’s investment is
a 100
% holding in Trainline Holdco Limited rather than the Company’s own shares in
isolation and hence when applying a reasonable control premium to the Company’s
market capitalisation this exceeded the value in use of the underlying business.
The value-in-use model has key assumptions in relation to the performance of the
Group over the forecast period, the pre-tax discount rate, and the terminal growth
rate applied beyond the forecast period. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts using
five-year projections which are extrapolated from the Board approved three-year plan.
The estimated future cash flows are based on those used for the Goodwill recoverability
assessment, as per Note
10
of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
147
Financial Statements
3. Investments
continued
The pre-tax discount rate applied was
15.0
% and is based upon the weighted average
cost of capital, reflecting specific principal risks and uncertainties. The discount rate
takes into account the risk-free rate of return, the market risk premium and beta factor.
Further to this, the terminal growth rate used was
2.0
%, which reflects the expected
long-term inflationary growth of the business into perpetuity, taking into account the
current market and sector risks.
When comparing the recoverable amount of £
1
,297.0 million with the investment
carrying value of £
1
,892.4 million, Management has determined that the recoverable
amount of the investment is impaired by £595.4 million. This was primarily driven by
increased regulatory risk arising from the Government’s plans to establish Great British
Railways and its Online Retail website and app in several years, while details of the
promised safeguards to the fair and open market committed to have yet to be set out.
Following the impairment recognised in the year, Management has performed sensitivity
analysis on the key assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount, being
those assumptions to which the impairment assessment is most sensitive (see Note
1).
Reasonably possible changes in these assumptions, would give rise to further
impairment charges as follows:
an increase of 1pt in the discount rate would result in an additional impairment charge
of approximately £90 million;
a decrease of 0.5pt in the terminal growth rate would result in an additional
impairment charge of approximately £30 million; and
a decrease of 15% in the Adjusted Group EBITDA forecast resulting in a decrease
in cash flows would result in an additional impairment charge of approximately
£250 million.
The sensitivity analysis is provided to illustrate the potential impact of changes in key
assumptions and does not represent Management’s expectations of future outcomes.
4. Deferred tax asset
At the balance sheet date, the Company has not recognised a deferred tax asset on
carried forward unvested share award schemes of £
0.3
million giving rise to undisclosed
deferred tax of £
0.3
million. This is on the basis that it is not probable that future taxable
profit and economic benefit will flow directly to the entity to support recognition under
IAS 12
. The tax deduction arising on share schemes, do not expire and are expected to
be available for group relief to Trainline
.
com Limited in a future accounting period.
5. Amounts owing from and to subsidiaries
Amounts owing from and to subsidiaries are comprised of intercompany loans with
companies within the Group as well as a dividends receivable balance. Amounts owing
from and to Group companies are unsecured, have no fixed date of repayment and are
repayable on demand.
IFRS
9 expected credit losses have been assessed as immaterial
in relation to these balances. The dividend receivable of £
220.0
million (
FY2025
: £
220.0
million) has been classified as non-current as it hasn’t been determined if it will be
settled in the normal operating cycle or within
12
months from the reporting date.
6. Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings relate to the revolving credit facility and the convertible bonds.
Please refer to Note
14
of the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
7. Contingent liabilities
The Company has issued guarantees to third parties in respect of obligations of its
subsidiary undertakings in the normal course of business. At the reporting date, the
maximum exposure under these guarantees amounted to £148.2 million (FY2025: £167.0
million). The Directors do not consider it probable that a payment will be required under
these arrangements and, accordingly, no provision has been recognised.
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
148
Financial Statements
8. Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share capital represents the number of shares in issue at their nominal value.
Ordinary shares in the Company are issued, allotted and fully paid up. The holders of
ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are
entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.
On incorporation on
24
April 2019, the Company issued
50
,
000
preference shares for
a total consideration of £
50
,
000
, with
1
ordinary share to be issued. The preference
shares were redeemed in full on
20
August
2020
. On 26
June
2019, the Company allotted
449,095,
131
ordinary shares as part of a share for share exchange in consideration
for; the transfer of the entire issued share capital of Victoria Investments
S.C.A
to the
Company; the acquisition of the Convertible preferred equity certificates (“
CPECs”)
and relating interest held by Victoria Investments
S.C.A
; and the acquisition and
extinguishment of the liability relating to Tracker shares held by Victoria Investment
S.C.A
. The nominal value of these shares was £
1.00
and the consideration per share
was £
3.50.
On 26
June
2019, the Company issued
31
,526,093 ordinary shares in its primary listing.
The nominal value of these shares was £
1.00
and the consideration per share was £
3.50.
Share premium is stated net of directly attributable fees of £
3.0
million.
On 26
June
2019, the Company issued an additional 59,
284
ordinary shares. The nominal
value of these shares was £
1.00
and the consideration per share was £
3.50.
Following a reduction in capital, the nominal value of ordinary shares was reduced from
£
1.00
to £
0.01
each. The reduction of capital had no effect on the net asset position of
the Company.
In September
2023
, the Company commenced a share buyback programme to purchase
its own ordinary shares. In May
2024
, the Company announced an additional share
buyback programme to purchase its own ordinary shares following the completion of
the September
2023
programme.
In March
2025
, the Company announced a further additional share buyback
programme to purchase its own ordinary shares following the completion of the May
2024
programme.
In order to optimise capital allocation to create greater value for
its shareholders, in September
2025
the Company announced the commencement
of a share buyback programme for up to a maximum consideration of £
150.0
million.
The total number of shares bought back in FY2026 was 60,
055
,727 shares (
FY2025:
25
,566,606 shares) with a nominal value of £600,557 (
FY2025
: £
255
,666) representing
16% (
FY2025:
6%) of the ordinary shares in issue (excluding shares held in treasury). All
shares bought back in FY2026 were cancelled.
The shares were acquired on the open market at a total consideration (excluding costs)
of £
151.4
million (
FY2025
: £
88.8
million). The maximum and minimum prices paid were
£
3.15
(
FY2025
: £
4.42
) and £1.87 (
FY2025
: £2.93) per share respectively. The average price
paid was £
2.52
(
FY2025
: £3.47). Costs incurred on the purchase of own shares in relation
to stamp duty and broker expenses were £0.9 million (
FY2025
: £
0.5
million).
Shareholding at 28 February 2026
Number
£’000
Ordinary shares – £0.01
385,409,753
3,854
385,409,753
3,854
Shareholding at 28 February 2025
Number
£’000
Ordinary shares – £0.01
445,465,480
4,455
445,465,480
4,455
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
149
Financial Statements
8. Capital and reserves
continued
Share premium
Share premium represents the amount over the nominal value which was received by
the Company upon the sale of the ordinary shares. Upon the date of listing, the nominal
value of shares was £
1.00
but the initial offering price was £
3.50.
Share premium is stated net of any direct costs relating to the issue of shares.
On 19 December
2023
, the High Court of Justice approved the cancellation of the amount
standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account in full. The cancellation
resulted in a corresponding increase in the Company’s distributable reserves.
Retained earnings
Retained earnings represents the profit the Company makes that is not distributed as
dividends. No dividends have been paid outside the Group during the current or prior
financial year.
Retained earnings also includes the reserve build up in relation to equity-settled share-
based payment arrangements which have been recognised within the profit and loss
account.
The Company allocates the share-based payment charges to the entities in which the
employees’ employment contracts sit through the amounts owing from/to subsidiaries.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of shares bought back
and cancelled.
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
continued
Trainline plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2026
150
Financial Statements