Rail passengers across Leicester, Derby and Nottingham can now enjoy simpler, more flexible travel thanks to the launch of innovative digital ticketing trials. Backed by nearly £1 million in government funding, this new technology marks a major step forward in modernising England’s rail network.
From today, up to 4,000 passengers can participate in the trials by signing up via their train operator’s website. The scheme will expand further at the end of September to include Northern Trains services in Yorkshire, covering Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley.
The new system allows passengers to check in and out of journeys using a location-aware app on their smartphones. GPS technology tracks travel and automatically charges the best fare at the end of the day. A unique barcode within the app enables access through ticket barriers and inspections, eliminating the need for paper tickets or pre-booked mobile QR codes.
This flexible approach removes the need to plan journeys in advance, offering spontaneous travel while guaranteeing the lowest daily fare.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy commented:
“The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through these trials, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible. By putting passenger experience at the heart of our decision making, we’re modernising fares and ticketing and making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’re delivering growth in every corner of the country and passengers across the Midlands and North will see real change in buying their train travel from today.”
Digital ticketing has already seen success in Switzerland, Denmark and Scotland. This trial marks its first rollout in England, demonstrating the UK Government’s commitment to improving passenger experience and encouraging rail use through smart innovation.
Northern Trains is already seeing strong adoption of mobile ticketing, with usage reaching 78% on average and peaking at 89% in a single day. The shift has led to a reduction of 2.3 million traditional orange magstripe tickets over the past year.
East Midlands Railway’s Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Planning, Oli Cox, also said:
“We’re delighted to announce the launch of our digital pay-as-you-go trial. We’ve had a fantastic response from customers keen to take part – with more than 500 people registering their interest so far.
“We know that complex fares can be a real barrier to travel, but this trial removes that uncertainty, making it easy to simply tap in and out on your phone, safe in the knowledge you’re always getting the best-value fare on the day.
“It is exciting to be one of the first train operating companies to trial this new technology, and we’re looking forward to hearing from customers as they start using the app to travel between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester in the months ahead. There is still time for customers to sign up and try it for themselves and anyone interested should visit our website for more details.”
This initiative is part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at improving living standards and making travel more affordable and convenient for working people. It also supports the creation of Great British Railways, the biggest overhaul of the rail system in a generation.
By embracing digital solutions, the UK is paving the way for a smarter, greener and more efficient transport future.
Image credit: iStock
