Government Announces Expansion of Pay As You Go Ticketing to Simplify Rail Travel

Making Rail Travel Simpler and More Convenient

The government has unveiled its plans to extend Pay As You Go ticketing to an additional 200 stations in the South East, marking the first phase of a commitment to enhance fare and ticketing systems.

With £20 million in government funding, passengers will benefit from a simpler, more flexible, and better value train travel experience.

The aim is to eliminate the need for passengers to plan ahead for the best prices or fumble with tickets at the barriers.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

“One of the best ways to get more people using our railways is to make journeys as simple, flexible and convenient as possible and the government’s programme for rail reform prioritises exactly that.”

“By removing the stress of finding the best deal in advance or having the right ticket ready to go at the barriers, the extension of tap-in tap-out ticketing is the next step of our plan for rail reform and we’re working towards Pay As You Go being rolled out beyond the South East through the Midlands and up to the North.”

Tens of Thousands to Benefit from Tap-In Tap-Out Ticketing

Thanks to the government’s funding, tens of thousands of passengers across the South East will have access to tap-in tap-out ticketing using their bank cards or smart devices.

This move eliminates the hassle of searching for the right ticket, allowing passengers to simply tap in on the reader and be automatically charged the best available price for their journey.

Expansion Beyond London and the South East

Pay As You Go ticketing is already available at over 350 stations in London and the South East. This recent announcement, in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), C2C, Southeastern, South Western Railway, London Northwestern, and Chiltern, will see the total number of tap-in-tap-out stations in England increase to over 400 by the end of the year.

Commitment to Rail Reform

Transport Secretary Huw Merriman emphasized the government’s commitment to rail reform, focusing on simplifying journeys and enhancing convenience for passengers.

The extension of tap-in tap-out ticketing is a vital step towards achieving these goals.

The government is actively working towards rolling out Pay As You Go ticketing beyond the South East, extending it to the Midlands and the North.

Success of Pay As You Go in London

Pay As You Go ticketing has already achieved significant success in London and the surrounding areas. Transport for London data shows that over 75% of Tube and rail journeys are regularly made using contactless payment cards or mobile devices.

This figure has grown substantially from 25% in 2016. Building on this popularity, the government aims to expand Pay As You Go across the Midlands and the North through the collaboration with the Great British Railways transition team.

Impact on the Passenger Experience

The introduction of contactless, Pay As You Go payments is expected to enhance the overall passenger experience.

It eliminates the need to queue at ticket machines or pre-book paper tickets, making rail travel more seamless and convenient.

Embracing contactless technology aligns with the rail industry’s goal of modernizing fares and making them easier and more flexible for customers.

Future Expansion and Trailblazer Devolution Deals

The government plans to make Pay As You Go ticketing available at all stations by the end of December 2023, with individual openings depending on existing technology infrastructure.

Further details about the expansion of Pay As You Go in the Midlands and the North are expected as part of the Trailblazer devolution deals, with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands leading the way.

Enabling Economic Growth through Rail Travel

By simplifying and streamlining ticketing systems, the government aims to encourage more people to use the railways for work and leisure, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

The focus on convenient and flexible ticketing aligns with the government’s vision of bringing the railways into the 21st century and improving accessibility for all.

Conclusion

The government’s investment of £20 million in extending Pay As You Go ticketing to additional stations in the South East is a significant step towards making rail travel simpler and more convenient for passengers.

The expansion of tap-in tap-out technology, already successful in London, will provide tens of thousands of passengers with a seamless and flexible way to travel.

With plans to extend Pay As You Go ticketing beyond the South East, the government is actively working towards modernizing the fare system across the entire country, fostering economic growth and ensuring a more accessible and enjoyable rail travel experience for all.

List of the stations to be updated

Sources: THX News, Department for Transport & Huw Merriman MP.