Technology allowing customers using six Southeastern stations to simply tap in and out for their journeys will be available from 22 September.
Pay as You Go (PAYG) means customers travelling in both directions between London and Bat & Ball, Dunton Green, Eynsford, Otford, Sevenoaks and Shoreham can tap their phone or contactless bank card meaning they no longer need to queue to use a ticket machine or ticket office.
In the background, the ticketing technology will ensure customers get the best price on the day.
The payment technology is similar to what is available in the London Travelcard zones and is part of a wider Government-led rollout of PAYG technology at 53 stations.
Alicia Andrews, Southeastern’s Commercial Director, said:
“We are building a better, more reliable and sustainable railway and the Government-led expansion of Pay as You Go ticketing makes travelling by rail simpler and more convenient.”
“The ability to simply tap in and out has been widely available in London for many years and customers have found it easy to use and appreciate the simplicity of the fares and the convenience of the daily and weekly caps.
The PAYG technology can also be used on Thameslink services from Sevenoaks, Bat & Ball, Shoreham and Eynsford.
In preparation for the introduction of PAYG, fares for some journeys were changed on 3 December 2023. This was to ensure that traditional and PAYG fares were aligned.
The affected fares only cover singles between these stations and London Travelcard zone destinations - fares for all other Southeastern stations are not affected. These six stations have not become part of the London Travelcard zones.
Where a route has Advance fares, these will continue to be available.
Image credit: Southeastern Railway
