Trainline

Formerly known as Thetrainline.com, London-based Trainline (now simply known as Trainline) is a global digital rail and coach technology platform. Its website and mobile app, which are compatible with iOS and Android, sell train tickets and railcards and provide free access to real-time train timetables and railway station information. It is a component of the FTSE 250 Index and trades on the London Stock Exchange.

The Virgin Group founded Trainline in 1997, and in 1999 they introduced ticket sales over the Internet. Capgemini was contracted to run the service. Stagecoach eventually bought into the company for 49%. Trainline's biggest rival at the time, Qjump, merged with the company in February of 2004.Stagecoach divested itself and the resulting firm is owned by Virgin (86%) and National Express (14%).

Exponent Private Equity purchased Trainline in July 2006. Trainline signaled a shift in approach toward the smartcard market with the acquisition of Advanced Smartcard Technologies and ECEBS in July 2007. In November of 2012, Ecebs was sold to Bell ID.

Founded: 1997
Headquarters: London, England, UK
Website: www.thetrainline.com