A NEW app means passengers now pay for train tickets AFTER they board.
The app will trial for passengers travelling on Northern rail services between Harrogate and Leeds by tracking their journey from today, before rolling out to other destinations.
A new train ticket trial launched today that allows passengers to board a train without buying a ticket[/caption]
Under a new trial, passengers will board their train and then tap a button in an app on their phone.
GPS technology in their phone will register the location where they get off and passengers will enter back into the app to tap ‘end journey’, according to the BBC.
A few minutes after doing this, the passenger will get a message telling them how much they have paid for the journey, which will be charged at the end of the day.
If on a train and asked to show a ticket, passengers can show a barcode on the app for inspectors to scan.
The same can be shown at barriers to exit a station, according to The Department for Transport (DfT).
Passengers who take part in the trial will be given £15 free credit.
The trial will also be rolled out across journeys between Sheffield and Doncaster on October 27, and Sheffield and Barnsley, on November 24.
A similar ticketing trial was also launched on some East Midlands Railway routes on September 1.
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: “We’re bringing ticketing into the 21st century.
“These trials are modernising fares and ticketing, making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the north, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Introducing smart, location-based ticketing will remove barriers to rail travel and make it easier to get the best value fares without the need to plan ahead.
Some travellers have already taken to social media to express how they feel about the new trial.
One person said on Reddit: “A great feature would be to automatically reduce the fare if the train is delayed.
“I’m thinking the train companies won’t jump on that idea so readily.”
A second person said: “Fantastic idea. I hate buying train tickets, so confusing.”
Meanwhile, a beautiful 73-mile railway route is getting new trains for the first time in 10 years.
Plus, the little-known UK train trick that lets you visit up to three destinations for the price of one – and the best routes to do it.
They will then be charged for their journey at the end of the day[/caption]
