Paper tickets ditched for half of train journeys

Posted

by

Paper tickets ditched for half of train journeys.
Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Only half of train journeys use traditional paper tickets as smart ticketing continues to grow, new figures show.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said passengers bought orange tickets for just 50% of journeys in the four weeks from mid-August. However, this is compared with 63% during the same period last year.

The move towards smart ticketing follows improvements in technology on our railways. These include installations and upgrades of ticket barriers at stations and promotion of the system to passengers.

Article continues below…
Advert

Smart tickets store securely on smartcards or as barcode tickets on mobile phones.

Passengers can pay for their travel online, without the need to queue at ticket offices or ticket machines.

The RDG said smart tickets can be used on nine in 10 routes on Britain’s rail network.

Article continues below…
Advert

Outdated fares

It claims Government reforms of outdated fares regulation could pave the way for pay-as-you-go price caps and part-time season tickets to be introduced across the country, and a greater range of tickets for long distance journeys.

RDG director of nations and regions Robert Nisbet said: “Making the most of the possibilities offered by smart tickets requires root and branch reform of fares regulations. We want to work with Government to make it happen.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Working with the rail industry, we have rolled out smart options across the country so that passengers can now get a smartcard or a barcode e-ticket for almost all journeys.

Article continues below…
Advert

“The forthcoming Williams Review White Paper will also provide recommendations to modernise our fares system, bringing the railway in line with what passengers expect in the 21st century.”

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “We know that passengers like the convenience of mobile tickets and smartcards. But, train operators must help make the switch from traditional paper tickets easy and simple to understand.

“The number of people working part-time is rising. Britain’s fares and ticketing system must adapt to suit the way we travel now. Smart tickets can help meet the needs of today’s passengers.

Article continues below…
Advert

“Fundamental fares reform will help make this happen.”


Six things you may not know about the Flying Scotsman

Flying Scotsman is one of the most famous locomotives of all time and it’s easy to see why. It was the first locomotive to reach 100mph and the first to cut the journey time from London to Edinburgh to 8 hours.

It is an incredibly famous engine, but here are some facts that you may not have heard about the locomotive.


Advert

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.

Posted

in

,

Latest Issue

Newsletter Signup