Thousands more rail passengers across Yorkshire and the North of England will be able to benefit from simpler, smarter ticketing after Northern removed the cap on its successful Digital Pay As You Go trial.
The GPS-enabled technology, which automatically calculates the best fare for a passenger’s journey, has already been used for more than 30,000 trips since its launch in 2025. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, the trial has now been opened to an unlimited number of passengers on participating routes.
Initially available to just 2,000 users, the trial covers Northern services between Leeds and Harrogate and Doncaster and Sheffield. It has also been expanded to include a third route in the East Midlands, connecting Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.
The technology enables passengers to travel without needing to buy a ticket in advance or physically check in and out. Instead, a smartphone app uses GPS tracking to record journeys and automatically charges the most appropriate fare.
Alongside improving convenience, the system is designed to reduce fare evasion and help prevent passengers from accidentally purchasing the wrong ticket, ensuring they always receive the correct fare for their journey.
The expansion forms part of wider Government plans to modernise rail ticketing ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR). Future reforms include the rollout of additional Pay As You Go schemes across England and the development of a GBR app and website that will allow passengers to purchase tickets, check train times and claim Delay Repay through a single platform.
Rail Minister Welcomes Progress
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“Buying a train ticket across much of the Yorkshire is far too complicated, with the whole system long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. The Digital Pay As You Go trials have been a huge success and by extending them, we’re making bringing that convenience, accessibility and flexible for even more passengers.
“This is rail reform in action. We’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the North supporting passengers, a key step in our mission to boost growth, jobs and homes as we work to set up Great British Railways.”
The Government says the initiative reflects a broader commitment to giving local and regional transport authorities the flexibility to introduce integrated ticketing solutions tailored to the needs of their communities, rather than imposing a single national approach.
The programme also complements the ongoing rollout of contactless bankcard ticketing at more than 100 stations across the South East, helping connect rail services with airports, London Underground, bus and tram networks and simplifying an estimated 55 million journeys each year.
Northern: "The Future of Ticketing is Happening in the North"
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, said:
“The future of ticketing is happening right here in the North, which is making train travel simpler, frictionless and more convenient for our customers."
“We’re delighted the trial has been extended until September 2027 as thousands of people will be able to use this innovative technology on two of our routes.
“It has already been used to make more than 30,000 journeys on Northern services and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback so far.
“Customers are still welcome to sign up now to try out these digital pay-as-you-go app, and receive £15 worth of free credit to their account.”
As part of a wider £156 million Government investment in ticketing reform, Pay As You Go technology is expected to be available at more than 100 additional stations across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and the South East by 2027.
Industry Backing for Simpler Ticketing
The plans have also received support from passenger advocacy groups, which argue that making rail travel easier to use is essential for encouraging greater use of public transport.
Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport, said:
“Making public transport easier to use is one of the most effective ways to attract more people on board. Expanding Digital Pay As You Go is a welcome step towards a simpler, more seamless railway, making it easier for passengers to get the best fare without navigating a complex ticketing system. We hope these successful trials pave the way for fully integrated ticketing across the public transport network.”
The extension of Northern's trial provides another indication of the direction of travel for Britain's railway, with digital ticketing and integrated transport platforms expected to play a central role in the future passenger experience.
Image credit: iStock
