Rail Online is on track to expand operations in Australasia and Europe and into North America after securing a $2.5 million investment from Dubai venture capital company Dale Ventures, which has acquired a 20 per cent stake in the online travel agent.
Rail Online, a start-up OTA powered by former Rail Europe Australasia executives James Dunne, Lachlan McCallum and Kew Muthalif, launched in February 2022 with the vision to make train travel more affordable and enjoyable.
In Australia and New Zealand, the company offers international rail passes throughout Europe and point-to-point fares across the UK with additional point-to-point rail journeys to be added across Europe and North America soon.
In 2021, Rail Online entered into a global agreement with rail technology leader SilverRail to provide a seamless booking experience with competitive prices and the ability to self-manage changes and refunds.
Dale Ventures CEO and Founder Dale W. Wood said the OTA was set to revolutionise digital ticketing and democratise rail travel.
“The travel market has been waiting for a service like Rail Online since the advent of e-ticketing in the rail sector, and this desire is only bolstered by pent-up demand related to the pandemic,” he said.
“Digital ticketing is poised for major innovation, and the Rail Online team are ahead of its time. I am thrilled to be able to support their venture as they move toward making cheap, climate-conscious rail travel a reality for millions.”
Rail Online CEO James Dunne said Dale Ventures’ backing would allow the company to become “the world’s most valued and frequently used travel app for rail and public transport”.
“With the rapid advancement of digital ticketing in the rail sector, it’s time for a new player and we’re it,” Mr Dunne said.
Travel advisors can register at rail.online
