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Evening Standard

World

Ross Lydall

Contactless train ticketing expands across South-East, with fare-capping for journeys in London

London

Contactless rail travel will be expanded to almost 50 train stations across the Home Counties next month, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

The long-awaited roll-out of “smart” ticketing technology beyond Greater London will allow passengers to touch in and out using a bank card instead of having to buy a “paper” ticket at the station or a digital ticket in advance.

They will be charged the “best price” adult rate – and will also benefit from daily and weekly price capping for journeys in London, including on the Tube and bus network.

The hope is that by making it simpler to use the railways then more people will choose to travel by train. It will also bring the railways in line with the post-pandemic growth in cashless transactions.

However passengers making journeys that involve the use of rail cards – such as family trips – or buying child fares will still require a conventional or digital ticket, as the Contactless system does not allow discounted travel.

The 47 stations that will be included in the Contactless network from September 22 include Basildon, Berkhamsted, Leighton Buzzard, Hemel Hempstead, Sevenoaks, Southend Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside.

This will benefit passengers using commuter services operated by c2c, South Western Railway, Southeastern and London Northwestern Railway.

However, the roll-out is happening nine months later than planned.

Contactless train travel is being expanded across the South-East (Rail Delivery Group)

First envisaged under the last Tory government, the first tranche of 53 stations had been due to be connected by the end of 2023, only to be subsequently delayed until spring 2024.

Six of the initial 53 stations – all served by Chiltern Railways – went live on June 30. These included Beaconsfield, Denham, Gerrards Cross and High Wycombe stations.

More than 200 stations will eventually join the Contactless network over the coming years.

Pay As You Go-style travel is already available at more than 350 stations inside Greater London and at stations including Reading, Gatwick airport and Luton Airport Parkway.

Contactless travel has become commonplace on rail services operated by Transport for London, such as the London Overground and on the Elizabeth line, but availability on mainline commuter routes is variable.

Rail chiefs hope Contactless will also provide “flexibility” in fares that mirrors post-pandemic work patterns.

Only 15 per cent of rail journeys now involve the use of season tickets. Pre-pandemic, the figure was 39 per cent.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train companies, said: “Customers have told us they want fares that reflect their needs and are simple to use. 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."

The 47 stations that will join the Contactless network on September 22 are:

Apsley

Ashford (Surrey)

Basildon

Bat & Ball

Benfleet

Berkhamsted

Bletchley

Bricket Wood

Chalkwell

Cheddington

Datchet