FAIRTIQ, the Swiss-based leader in digital pay-as-you-go (DPAYG) ticketing solutions, has been chosen to deliver an upcoming trial as part of the UK government’s Plan for Rail reforms. Set to launch in the coming weeks, the nine-month pilot aims to simplify ticketing, improve the passenger experience, and encourage greater use of public transport.
If successful, FAIRTIQ’s innovative technology could pave the way for wider adoption—across cities, regions, or even nationwide—not just on rail, but also on buses, trams, subways, and ferries. This approach mirrors successful rollouts already seen in Denmark, Switzerland, France, and Germany.
The trial is being delivered in partnership with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and Northern Trains, with support from TransPennine Express and Arriva CrossCountry. It will take place on the Sheffield–Doncaster route in South Yorkshire, testing how smart, mobile-first ticketing can make rail travel more accessible, transparent, and hassle-free.
“We are delighted to bring FAIRTIQ’s proven technology to the UK rail network,”
said Steve Broadley, UK Market Lead at FAIRTIQ. “By removing complexity from ticketing, we can make it easier and more appealing for people to take the train – benefiting passengers, operators, and the environment.”
FAIRTIQ’s award-winning platform, already trusted by millions of passengers across Europe, makes travel effortless. With just a single swipe to start and end a journey, the system automatically calculates the best available fare—no guesswork, no hassle.
This UK trial will collect valuable passenger feedback and journey data, helping to shape the future of ticketing and deliver a simpler, smarter travel experience nationwide.
“FAIRTIQ began in Switzerland, where we created a solution that lets passengers travel seamlessly across trains, buses, trams, ferries, and even gondolas with a single swipe,” said Gian-Mattia Schucan, Founder and co-CEO at FAIRTIQ. “Passengers value the peace of mind—no risk of buying the wrong ticket and always getting the best available fare.”
Over the course of nine months, up to 1,000 passengers will have the opportunity to try FAIRTIQ’s award-winning mobile app. Using GPS technology, the app automatically detects journeys and ensures travellers always pay the best-value fare—no need to plan or pre-purchase tickets.
Image credit: Northern
