30,000 journeys made in Northern Rail's pay-as-you-go ticketing trial
The technology is being tried out on the Leeds-Harrogate and Sheffield-Doncaster routes
Last updated 17 hours ago
Passengers on Northern services have made over 30,000 journeys as part of a new pay-as-you-go ticketing trial.
Volunteers on the Leeds-Harrogate and Sheffield-Doncaster routes are testing the system, which sees passengers track themselves using a smartphone app and paying the appropriate fare when they get off.
The tech could be rolled out future as part of Great British Railways - the new publicly run railway network.
Over 3,200 passengers have taken part in the trial so far.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracey Brabin said: "This is an exciting move to bring train tickets into the 21st century.
"Getting from A to B without fuss, stress or forward planning will make journeys much smoother for passengers.
"This trial will help us as we grow our Weaver Network, which will provide a seamless way to get around West Yorkshire, no matter how you travel.”
Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director, said: “This represents the future of ticketing here in the North.
"It’s fantastic to see this reaction from our customers in Yorkshire, as more than 3,200 are now making the most of it.
“We’ve been receiving a lot of promising feedback so far, with high app review scores and many saying it makes travelling by train easier and more straight forward.
“There is still time for more people to join the trial and try out these pay-as-you-go tickets. Customers will get free £15 credit when they sign up.”