Rail passengers in Yorkshire are being invited to take part in a new ticketless travel trial that uses smartphones to track journeys and charge the lowest fare automatically.
The trial is being run on Northern services between Leeds and Harrogate, where passengers can download an app that uses GPS to detect their location and check in when they begin a journey. A unique QR code is then generated, which can be used to pass through ticket barriers and for inspection by train conductors.
At the end of their trip, passengers simply tap the end journey in the app, and a few minutes later they receive confirmation of their fare which the system ensures is the best value available, including daily and weekly caps.
“It’s like pay-as-you-go in big cities,” explained Steve Pickman, who helped develop the system. “But instead of tapping a card on a gate, you’re tapping in and out on your phone.”
The Department for Transport described the scheme as a step towards modernising train travel, calling it an example of bringing ticketing into the 21st century.
How it works:
Download the app and allow GPS access, Check in at the start of your journey,Use the QR code to pass barriers and for inspections and then End your journey in the app, Receive a message confirming your lowest possible fare.
According to Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, the aim is to make ticketing easier and more accessible by removing barriers to buying tickets.
“We often talk about how easy ticketing is in London, this is even easier and it’s happening right here in the north,” Hornby.
The Leeds to Harrogate route was chosen because it crosses two combined authorities, making it an ideal test case for a system that could eventually be used across multiple regions and transport types.
Hornby added that similar systems are already being used successfully in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, not only for trains but also for buses and trams.
However, the trial will expand to other Northern services like, Sheffield to Doncaster starting 27 October and Sheffield to Barnsley, from 24 November
A recent pilot in the East Midlands was also reported to be successful while participants in the Yorkshire trial will receive £15 worth of free travel for signing up.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said the trial supports the government’s Plan for Change by simplifying travel and boosting the economy. “These trials are making fares simpler and travel less stressful,” Lord Hendy said. “It’s all about making rail more accessible and convenient for everyone.”
