TICKETLESS TRAIN TRAVEL TRIAL LAUNCHES IN EAST MIDLANDS – The app uses GPS to automatically charge passengers best fare
A new ticketless train travel system that charges passengers based on their location is being trialled in the East Midlands, in a move that could transform the way people pay for rail journeys.
From Monday, East Midlands Railway (EMR) will begin testing the location-based technology with up to 1,000 passengers travelling between Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and stations along the route.
The app, called Digital Pay As You Go, uses GPS tracking on passengers’ smartphones to log journeys and then automatically charges the lowest available fare at the end of each day. If a season ticket or travelcard would have been cheaper, the system adjusts fares accordingly.
For ticket checks and barrier access, the app generates a unique barcode that can be scanned by inspectors or at entry points.
The Department for Transport confirmed that further trials involving another 1,000 passengers will roll out on three Northern services in Yorkshire from late September, with integration extending to CrossCountry as well as EMR.
Rail operators say the system could simplify travel, reduce fare confusion, and prevent passengers from overpaying, while also cutting down on paper tickets. Interested travellers can register for the trial now via EMR’s website.
