Passengers across the South East will benefit from simpler and more flexible train travel as a further 47 stations are set to introduce tap-in tap-out technology from 22 September 2024.
Customers travelling on the day will no longer need to use the ticket machines at stations and will be able to choose between pre-booking their tickets or simply tapping their contactless cards or devices to pay for their journey.
Customers will also be able to seamlessly switch between different trains, Tube, London Buses and trams whilst paying the best adult fare on the day for your journey on the day and time of your travel. Those using pay as you go with contactless will also benefit from daily and Monday to Sunday capping when travelling into and within London.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Customers have told us they want fares that reflect their needs and are simple to use. The way our customers buy tickets has also changed dramatically since the pandemic, and that’s why we’re delighted that pay as you go technology is being expanded to 47 stations. It is a step in the right direction providing convenience, simplicity and flexibility.
“Pay as you go technology empowers customers by ensuring they always get the right ticket at the right price, making it easier than ever to pay and travel seamlessly. We are committed to developing a simpler and better-value fare system that not only meets our customers’ expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel and enhances the overall customer experience.”
Pay as you go with contactless is one of many ways that the rail industry is adapting to the evolving needs of customers and making ticketing simpler and more flexible. Train operators offer alternative, more personalised ticketing options such as Flexi season tickets and some have introduced single leg pricing and are also trialling modern, simpler fares structures.
RDG is also supporting plans to deliver pay as you go pilots across different modes of transport in both Greater Manchester and West Midlands, as part of the Devolution Deals.
More information on the pay as you go with contactless expansion can be found here.
Image credit: Rail Delivery Group
