Open Banking (Request for Information)

The train companies operated by DOHL - The DFT holding company for government controlled Train Operating Companies (TOCS), are committed to delivering the best experience for their customers, including providing a wide range of payment options when purchasing tickets.

The DOHL TOCs intend to add open banking - pay by bank as a payment type for web and app channels, enabling customers to pay for tickets and other services using an instant authorised bank transfer through their banking app.

Different TOCs use a range of web and products, some bespoke, and other, white labelled SaaS platforms offered by third party vendors. TOCs currently offer a range of online payment options, including Credit and Debit Card, PayPal, incorporating Pay in Three, Apple and Google Pay. Open Banking will sit alongside these options, using a dedicated Call to Action button.

Please note that purchasing rail tickets is not as straightforward as some other purchase models, and it will be necessary to store a reservation ID alongside the more usual fields.

A high level process map for a typical Ticket Issuing System is included in this PIN for reference. Integration is envisaged to be through existing payment service APIs and integration offered by the Ticket Issuing System.

Refunds are a common occurrence, due to customers changing their plans, delays and cancellations. An automated process is used to make refunds, and where a customer has paid through open banking, this must be available as an automated refund channel.

In some cases, a refund team may make manual refunds, and this should also be an option through the open banking provision.