Passengers travelling on Northern trains between Harrogate and Leeds will now be able to travel without tickets following the launch of a new app that aims to simplify travel.
The system, which has already been trialled in the midlands, allows passengers to bypass the need to pre-book tickets by utilising GPS technology.
To take advantage of the new app, passengers are required to start their journey via the app once they board the train, with technology then registering the moment they leave the train automatically before charging the lowest possible fare at the end of the day.
A unique bar code pop-up will be provided through the app in order to use ticket barriers at stations.
The trial, which is government backed, is set to be expanded to Northern’s Sheffield to Doncaster and Sheffield to Barnsley routes on 27 October and 24 November respectively.
The trial begins today, and passengers who opt-in to test the app will be given 15 GBP worth of free travel, which will be credited to their account automatically.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:We’re bringing ticketing into the 21st century. These trials are modernising fares and ticketing, making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.
As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the north, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes.
Interested passengers can sign up for the trials via Northern’s website.
