A major boost has been announced for people who use dozens of UK railway stations. Passengers heading to any London airportcould soon experience smoother journeys thanks to a significant government update. Starting from December 14, contactless ticketing will be expanded to Stansted Airportand Southend Airport train stations, bringing them in line with others, such as Gatwick, that already offer this service.
This change will allow travellers to and from these airports to stop worrying about booking tickets beforehand and simply tap in and out using a bank card, mobile device, or Oyster card. It comes as part of a wider scheme across the south-east, with 50 stations also receiving the same upgrade at the same time.
This will encompass those used by publicly owned train companies, including Great Anglia and South Western Railway, which serve stations such as Beaulieu Park and Chelmsford. A complete list of these is provided further below.
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In light ofthe update, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "Rail ticketing is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through the expansion of tap-in tap-out technology and shortly through GBR, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible – and ensuring passengers can get the best fares.
"As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the south-east, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes."
Officials say the changes are possible thanks to £18.7 million in funding from the UK Government, as well as support from Transport for London. The technology has already been rolled out at 53 additional stations across the south-east, and more stations are to follow next year.
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London (TfL), commented to say: "For more than 10 years, the popularity of convenient travel via pay-as-you-go with contactless has grown and become increasingly popular across London and the surrounding areas.
"We are delighted to be extending pay-as-you-go with contactless to a further 50 stations from 14 December, including Stansted Airport, making it easier for those arriving at the airport to travel to London and experience all the city has to offer."
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, added: "The introduction of contactless travel on the Stansted Express is great news for passengers and will make rail travel between Stansted and London even more simple and convenient.
"London Stansted is the third largest airport in the London system and the second biggest gateway to the capital for European visitors. So, as a major enabler of inbound tourism as well as the airport of choice for millions of people in London, more seamless rail travel between the airport and London Liverpool Street will significantly improve our passengers’ experience and make choosing the train even more attractive."
Full list of stations introducing pay-as-you-goAccording tothe Government, 50 more stations will introduce contactless pay-as-you-go methods from December 14. These include the following:
For more information, head to the Government's website here.
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