Plans to make train travel simpler and more flexible across Yorkshire and the East Midlands are moving forward, with trials set to begin later this year. The Government has started the process of finding suppliers to run the technology behind the trials, which will be delivered in partnership with Northern and East Midlands Railways.
Unlike previous contactless ticketing rollouts, these trials will use GPS-based technology to track a passenger’s journey and ensure they pay the best fare available. When going through ticket barriers or during inspections, travellers will use a unique barcode generated in an app. The goal is to offer a system that is not only easier to use but also guarantees passengers get the best value for their journey.
The initiative, backed by Government funding, is part of wider efforts to modernise the transport network and encourage more people to use the railways. By reducing the complexity of ticketing, the scheme aims to improve the passenger experience and support economic growth.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “We’ve seen the success that contactless ticketing has on making journeys easier to navigate and attracting more people to our railways. It’s only right that we now look to expand contactless ticketing to other major cities across the North, ensuring they can reap the economic benefits that simpler ticketing offers and that passengers are having a better experience.”
The trials are another step towards a more user-friendly railway system. Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, commented: “We are proud to support the Pay As You Go trials in Yorkshire and East Midlands. This is another step in making fares and ticketing easier for everyone. We are committed to developing a simpler fare system that not only meets passengers’ expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel, making customers’ experience of the railway better.”
Recent success in the South East shows the potential impact of contactless ticketing. More than 268,000 journeys were made in the first six months at six stations where the system was introduced. With digital alternatives already making up over 80% of journeys on Northern’s network, the new trial builds on a clear trend towards easier, more flexible ticketing.
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern said: “Historically, ticketing across the rail industry has been far too complicated and so anything that makes the customer experience simpler has my vote. The option to ‘pay as you go’ is a development of that trend which we’re looking forward to introducing on selected routes very soon.”
Alongside these trials, the Government is also working with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to expand contactless ticketing further. Last week, it launched a consultation on a new bill aimed at reforming Britain’s railways, including a commitment to further simplify ticketing and create a passenger watchdog to hold train operators to account.
The trials are a key step in shaping the future of rail travel, with the potential to make it easier and fairer for passengers while supporting the long-term growth of the railway network.
