Contactless Ticketing Expands to 47 More Stations in South East
Passengers across the South East will soon enjoy simpler and better-value train journeys with the rollout of contactless tap-in tap-out ticketing at 47 additional stations. The system will go live on February 2, 2025, ensuring passengers are automatically charged the best fare available for their travel on the day.
The initiative, backed by £20 million in government funding, is part of the Plan for Change to modernize the UK’s rail network and make train travel more accessible and affordable.
Benefits for Passengers
- Ease of Use: Tap-in tap-out technology eliminates the need to purchase paper tickets or pre-book online, streamlining the travel experience.
- Best Fare Guarantee: Passengers are automatically charged the most cost-effective fare for their journey.
- Wider Coverage: The system is already in place at 6 Chiltern stations and will now be extended across key commuter routes, including Sevenoaks, Southend, and Windsor.
Future Rollout
An additional 49 stations, including London Stansted Airport, will introduce contactless ticketing later in 2025. This marks the first time all London airports will be accessible via contactless travel, ensuring seamless connectivity between train and plane.
The initiative will extend to major hubs such as Baldock, Hitchin, Stevenage, and Letchworth Garden City, enhancing travel options across the South East and beyond.
Key Support
Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy emphasized the benefits:
“We are transforming the way people travel by modernizing our railways, ensuring better value for money, and making journeys stress-free with guaranteed best fares. This is just one step in delivering the biggest overhaul of our rail system in a generation.”
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, added:
“Pay-as-you-go technology is a game-changer for passengers, offering convenience, flexibility, and simplicity. This expansion is part of our commitment to enhancing customer experiences and driving the long-term growth of rail travel.”
Improved Passenger Experience
The first six stations that introduced the system, including High Wycombe and Beaconsfield, logged over 268,000 contactless entries and exits in just six months, demonstrating the popularity of the initiative.
Alex Williams of Transport for London commented:
“Pay-as-you-go has revolutionized travel in London, and extending it to more stations ensures even greater convenience for passengers traveling into and out of the capital.”
Stations Getting Contactless Ticketing
From February 2, notable stations such as Basildon, Sevenoaks, Southend Central, and Windsor & Eton Riverside will join the network, with more added throughout the year.
For a full list of stations and further updates, visit the Department for Transport’s website.
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