TODAY, I tried ScotRail's new “pay as you go” system for train tickets on my way to work.
The operator is trialling the app across Glasgow and the Strathclyde area first, and may look to roll out the app more widely across the country if it is successful.
I initially thought, this will be great. It will be just like several tap on and tap off systems on buses, and in other cities across the UK.
However, for the average commuter — it seems pretty pointless.
I downloaded the app, which is separate from the usual ScotRail app, signed up and was keen to start.
The app gave me the option to confirm my starting station, which it knew based on my location, and it provided me with a barcode to scan at the station I arrived at.
It was simple, and seamless, but after using it, I was unsure of what the point of it was.
I felt it saved me no time, and I actually found myself going from app to app, to check the time of my train on the old app as the new app gives no information like that.
Maybe if you make a varied range of journey's across Glasgow, not using the same lines a lot of the time, the app would be worth it and save you time from choosing different stations.
But, it gives no information on routes, journey times, ticket prices, or delays.
The new app seems built for regular travellers with knowledge of their route and journey times, but the point of the app is for varied journeys?
Once I got to the office, I looked at the app to see if I was getting charged — and realised there was a final step.
After scanning at the gates and before buying my coffee, I should've pressed "end journey". Instead, once I got to the office, I was closer to Charing Cross station and that was recorded as my end point.
Thankfully, I hadn't left the Strathclyde area and the app knew I couldn't have got a direct train from my starting station to Charing Cross, so did charge me the regular single to Glasgow Central.
If I had left the Strathclyde area on a direct train though, I would've been fined £25.
It seems an interesting start to the tap and pay system, but personally, I won't be using it again and would love to see the two apps combined.
