The Railway Clearing House

The Railway Clearing House (RCH) was an organization established in 1842 in the UK to coordinate ticketing, revenue sharing, and management among different railway companies. Because multiple companies often operated connecting lines, the RCH ensured smooth transfers of passengers and goods, and accurately divided the earnings. It acted as a central hub for cooperation, standardization, and information sharing, helping the railway network function efficiently and seamlessly across different operators until it was phased out in the 1960s.