End Of The Line For Paper Tickets? Trial Of New Phone Billing System Gets Underway

It could be the end of the line for paper train tickets on British trains - as the first test of an app-based ticketing service gets underway.

A trial this December will test a new system where gates at stations and on trains will identify devices in travellers’ pockets - and charge fares when a journey is completed.

Chiltern Railways will test the technology with 60 volunteers from December between London and Birmingham.

Dave Penney, managing director of Chiltern, said: ‘Bluetooth sensors and geolocation tracking are used to open ticket gates and determine journeys taken, then the customer is billed at the end of the day with a best-value guarantee ensuring they are charged the appropriate fare for their journeys.’

'We know passengers want to purchase tickets easily and travel for the best price; this app-based concept eliminates the need to purchase a ticket.

The ‘beacons’ will identify passengers as they board trains, and as they leave stations - so travellers won’t need to buy paper tickets, or top up cards before travel.

Rail industry sources expect it to be rolled out to other networks if it’s a success.

The trail is part-funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), according to The Telegraph.