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29
Sept
Harrogate trains begin trial of new ticket system
Passengers on Northern trains between Harrogate and Leeds can take part in trials of a new train ticket system from today (September 29).
Those who signed up to the trial over the summer won’t need to buy a ticket before hopping on a train.
Instead, they will be able to use an app on their phones to start their journeys, without pre-booking tickets or going through third-party apps.
According to the government, the technology will ensure customers are automatically charged the lowest rates for tickets on the day of travel.
GPS tracking technology will monitor when people get on and off trains.
Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at train operator Northern, said:
These trials mark a significant step forward in making train journeys simpler, smarter and more flexible, whether for work, leisure, or everyday journeys.
A Northern train.
According to the Department for Transport, a scannable barcode will pop up on the app when customers approach ticket barriers.
Phillip Holdsworth, president of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and member of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, said he welcomed progress as long as it didn't exclude anybody.
He added:
Not everybody is engaged with technology, there is quite a large proportion of people that won't necessarily use the app.
Mr Holdsworth also expressed concerns that although barriers and ticket inspectors remain in place, ticket offices "will be under threat in future" because of the move.
He also fears discounts that passengers currently have access to could be lost.
He said:
The scheme will be good for single journeys.
If you book a return journey in advance [now] you are able to acquire discounted prices, we will lose some of those advantages and it will seem a little more expensive.
Mr Holdsworth said fare dodging was the main issue on Northern trains. He added:
On the train to Leeds, the problem lies simply in people getting on between stations and getting off at the next one. Then it is quite easy for them to get off without paying, and the new system may not fully deal with that.
'Train tickets can be confusing'
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
Train tickets can be confusing, frustrating and a barrier for people wanting to use the train.
This digital ticketing trial is a step in the right direction toward providing more flexible ticketing options and best value fares, making it easier for people to travel by train.
It’s great to see it being rolled out in our region and I’d encourage anyone who travels on the Harrogate to Leeds line regularly to register and help shape more accessible rail travel here and across the country.
Mr Holdsworth said whatever happens. physical tickets were likely to remain for a long time:
Anybody working in the world of technology knows you don't remove the old system when you start the new system.
If they decide this is the way to go, they will communicate very clearly with everybody the timeframe in which the new system will begin and the old system will phase out.
More trials will launch in Yorkshire later this year, with Sheffield to Doncaster and Sheffield to Barnsley routes going ahead on October 27 and November 24.
Have you used the new system? If so, let us know what you think. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
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