Cutting-Edge Digital Rail Ticket Technology to Be Trialled Across the Midlands and North
The UK government is launching innovative digital rail ticketing trials aimed at making train travel simpler, more flexible, and cost-effective for passengers in the Midlands and northern regions of England. Starting 1 September 2025, passengers traveling on East Midlands Railway services between Leicester, Derby, and Nottingham can sign up to participate in this new trial, with further trials set to commence on Northern Trains’ routes in Yorkshire from late September.
What the Trials Involve
The new ticketing system uses a location-based mobile app that allows passengers to “check in” and “check out” automatically via GPS during their rail journeys. Instead of purchasing traditional paper or pre-booked QR code tickets, passengers’ journeys are tracked seamlessly in real time. At the end of the day, the app calculates and charges the passenger the best available fare for their travel.
For ticket inspections or when passing through barriers, a unique barcode generated by the app will be shown and can be scanned by rail staff or machines. This technology effectively eliminates the need to pre-plan journeys or manage physical tickets, offering a more convenient and user-friendly travel experience.
Participation and Benefits
Up to 4,000 passengers will be able to take part in the trials by registering through East Midlands Railway and Northern Trains’ websites. Early response has been strong, with over 500 people already expressing interest in the East Midlands trial.
This initiative promises to save both time and money for passengers, supporting the government’s "Plan for Change" to improve living standards and make commuting more affordable. The trials also mark the first introduction of this GPS-based ticketing technology in England, building upon successful implementations in Switzerland, Denmark, and Scotland.
Statements from Officials and Industry Leaders
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE highlighted the significance of this upgrade, saying, “The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through these trials, we’re making buying tickets more convenient, accessible, and flexible. Passengers across the Midlands and North will see real change starting today.”
Oli Cox, Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Planning at East Midlands Railway, expressed enthusiasm for the trial: “We’ve had a fantastic response from customers eager to try the digital pay-as-you-go technology. This removes the uncertainty around fares and makes travelling easier — tap in and out on your phone knowing you always get the best-value fare.”
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, welcomed the development, emphasizing her support for integrated and user-friendly ticketing. “I encourage regular users to sign up and experience this new system,” she said. “With full public transport responsibilities devolved to me next year, we look forward to using feedback from these trials to make East Midlands journeys easier for all.”
Northern’s trials, launching at the end of September, will cover services to Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley. Northern has already seen an encouraging shift towards mobile ticket usage, with nearly 78% of tickets in January 2025 being mobile-based and a significant drop in traditional magstripe tickets.
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, remarked, “These trials are a major step forward in simplifying rail travel and creating a frictionless experience. We thank customers for taking part and encourage more to help shape the future of rail travel in the North.”
Government Support and Future Outlook
This initiative is backed by nearly £1 million in government funding and forms part of a broader plan to modernize the UK’s transport network. The trials support the government’s mission to encourage more people to switch to rail by improving passenger experiences and providing greater value.
The trials also complement the ongoing creation of Great British Railways, the government’s major overhaul project aimed at delivering better and more reliable rail services nationwide.
How to Participate
Passengers interested in signing up for the East Midlands or Northern trials can do so by visiting the respective train operators’ websites. The government encourages regular rail users in these regions to participate and help refine this groundbreaking technology.
For more information and to register for the trials, visit:
- East Midlands Railway digital ticketing trial: [East Midlands Railway website]
- Northern Trains digital ticketing trial: [Northern Trains website]
The government continues to prioritize modernizing rail travel, delivering better service, and making journeys more accessible, efficient, and affordable for all.
