‘Tap-in, tap-out’ pilot coming to Greater Manchester train stations
The government will be trialling a pay-as-you-go ticketing system at 17 stations in the city region starting in 2025.
Travellers going between Manchester Piccadilly and Glossop, and Stalybridge and Victoria will be able to use a bank card or their device to tap into a station. They will tap out once they reach their end destination, with the assurance that they are charged the best possible fare without having to get a ticket.
The pilot will pave the way for full multi-modal ticketing across Greater Manchester’s Metrolink, cycle hire, busses, and trains by 2030.
“We are transforming how people travel in Greater Manchester, with the aim for people to pay for journeys easily and seamlessly across buses, trams, trains and cycle hire,” said Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
“We look forward to progressing with these new contactless rail pilots, and working together to develop a more meaningful and accountable partnership that allows us to integrate local rail services across the city region into the Bee Network by 2030.”
Rail minister Huw Merriman said that introducing tap-in technology would make accessing trains easier.
“Our railways have a long history, but projects like these – part of the government’s wider plans for reform – will ensure they have a bright future too,” Merriman said.
Greater Manchester is not alone in undergoing the pilot. There will be 75 West Midlands stations in the programme too.
The government is also completing its nationwide rollout of barcoding technology to stations, which will allow passengers to scan their digital tickets at a gate.
You can find the full list of Greater Manchester stations that will be part of the pilot below:
- Ardwick
- Ashburys
- Ashton Under Lyne
- Broadbottom
- Dinting
- Fairfield
- Flowery Field
- Glossop
- Godley
- Gorton
- Guide Ridge
- Hadfield
- Hattersley
- Manchester Piccadilly
- Manchester Victoria
- Newton for Hyde
- Stalybridge
Sounds like a step in the right direction. A bit strange that Oxford Rd isn’t on the list. Unless I’m wrong, I think its still the second busiest station in Manchester.
By Manc Man
There’s very little point in having smart cards unless you also have integrated ticketing. GM still doesn’t have intermodal ticketing decades after London and most of Northern Europe. Presumably this trial will just sell you a single/return, without bus or metro?
By Peter B
@Manc Man It’s a trial. Ox Rd not on the Glossop line, but will be included once the system is proven to work.
By Bob
21st century ticketing solution for a 19th century railway system.
By Anonymous
Movement is better than no movement at all but the glacial pace is infuriating. Without integrated fares, I doubt many will be tapping in and out and paying – I assume – full single fares.
Those most likely to engage with a tap in tap out pilot will likely already be savvy enough to use apps to grab advanced singles.
Keen to hear as to how systems will be put in place to avoid fare dodging. Imagine you could tap into Victoria, ride up to Preston & leave the station without barriers for example?
By Anonymous
Extortionate fees are around the corner. Don’t know why they’re bothering considering the state of the rail system nowadays
By Anonymous