The Government have announced contactless pay-as-you-go ticketing will be rolled out across commuter networks in the North and Midlands over the next three years.
£360m has been invested to overhaul and reform passengers’ experience of fares, ticketing and retailing.
As part of the investment 700 stations outside of London and the South East will see the introduction of tap-in and tap-out ticketing.
400 of the stations set to benefit from the investment are in the North.
The investment marks the beginning of the Government’s plan to modernise digital ticketing across the whole rail network.
This will improve thousands of daily commutes and simplify journeys.
By creating an improved rail network in the North and Midlands it is hoped this will level up the economies of these regions to rival London and the South East.
Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport spoke on how this investment shows the Governments commitment to levelling up the North and the Midlands.
Mr Shapps said: “Passengers across the North and Midlands have waited far too long to see the same fast, easy and convenient ticketing as those in London.
“We’re determined to put that right.
“Today’s investment is just the first phase of our efforts to overhaul our rail network.
“Focused on improving journeys for passengers right across the country.”
This comes ahead of the publication of the Integrated Rail Plan.
The Integrated Rail Plan will set out the Governments plans to improve rail across the North and Midlands and deliver benefits for passengers.
