Contactless Payments Coming to More Railway Stations in the Southeast!

Exciting news for travelers in the southeast of England! Beginning September 22, 2024, nearly 50 more railway stations will be introducing London-style contactless payments. This update is part of a larger plan, called Project Oval, which aims to roll out contactless payments to over 230 stations across the region. This means that passengers will soon be able to pay for their train journeys with a simple tap of their bank cards, just like they do in London.

Project Oval: The Big Rollout

The expansion is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) with a whopping £20 million investment. Transport for London (TfL) is leading the charge, ensuring that all necessary equipment is installed at the stations. The company responsible for the in-station validation equipment, Cubic Transportation Systems, is the same one that provides the technology used by TfL in London. So, you can expect the same smooth experience when you travel.

Why No Oyster Cards?

You might be wondering, “What about Oyster cards?” Well, the Oyster card technology, which has been a staple for London commuters for years, is now considered outdated. Instead, the focus is on the newer contactless payment system, which uses your regular bank card. This change is similar to how the Elizabeth line was extended to Reading, where Oyster cards only work up to Zone 6, and beyond that, only contactless bank cards are accepted.

Where Is It Happening?

The expansion will include stations from different railway lines, making travel more seamless for a lot more people. Here’s a list of the 47 stations where contactless payments will be available starting next month:

c2c Line:

Basildon
Benfleet
Chalkwell
East Tilbury
Laindon
Leigh-on-Sea
Pitsea
Shoeburyness
Southend Central
Southend East
Stanford-le-Hope
Thorpe Bay
Tilbury Town
West Horndon
Westcliff

London Northwestern Railway:

Apsley
Berkhamsted
Bletchley
Bricket Wood
Cheddington
Garston
Hemel Hempstead
How Wood
King’s Langley
Leighton Buzzard
Park Street
St. Albans Abbey
Tring
Watford North

Southeastern / Thameslink:

Bat & Ball
Dunton Green
Eynsford
Otford
Sevenoaks
Shoreham

South Western Railway:

Ashford
Datchet
Egham
Kempton Park
Shepperton
Staines
Sunbury
Sunnymeads
Upper Halliford
Virginia Water
Windsor & Eton Riverside
Wraysbury

What This Means for Passengers

Once the contactless payments go live on September 22, passengers will find it much easier to switch between different modes of transport. Whether you’re hopping on a train, catching the Tube, or taking a TfL bus, you can pay the best adult fare for your journey with just a tap. Plus, there’s the added benefit of daily and Monday to Sunday fare capping, meaning you’ll never pay more than you should for your travels into and around London.

What About Discounts?

If you’re someone who uses railcards or gets concession rates, you’ll still want to stick with your existing tickets for now. They’re likely to be cheaper than the contactless option. However, there are plans in the works to eventually include these concession rates in the contactless payment system, which will make it even more convenient for everyone.

A Word from the Experts

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, shared her thoughts on the expansion, saying, “Customers have told us they want fares that reflect their needs and are simple to use. The way our customers buy tickets has also changed dramatically since the pandemic, and that’s why we’re delighted that pay as you go technology is being expanded to 47 stations. It is a step in the right direction providing convenience, simplicity, and flexibility.”

She went on to add, “Pay as you go technology empowers customers by ensuring they always get the right ticket at the right price, making it easier than ever to pay and travel seamlessly. We are committed to developing a simpler and better-value fare system that not only meets our customers’ expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel and enhances the overall customer experience.”

The Future of Travel

This expansion is just one part of a larger plan to bring pay-as-you-go technology to even more areas. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is also backing pilots for similar systems in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands as part of Devolution Deals. So, if you’re a frequent traveler in those areas, keep an eye out for more updates!

With this new contactless payment system, traveling in the southeast is about to become much simpler. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, the ease and convenience of contactless payments will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.