ScotRail app could enable travel without buying tickets
ScotRail passengers could travel using a new phone app that automatically charges them for journeys without the need to buy tickets under plans being devised by the operator.
The as-yet unnamed system, which could be called Rail as You Go, is aimed by the Scottish Government-owned firm at making paying for train travel even easier than with electronic “mTickets” on its existing app. Passengers would just enter their destination, which would be verified via GPS as they alighted at the arrival station.
However, the Scottish Conservatives called for ScotRail to go further and introduce a “tap in-tap out” system using bank cards, similar to those used by bus companies such as First Glasgow and on the London Underground. The party wants buses and other public transport included too.
ScotRail is testing the concept of the new app on selected passengers. It told those taking part: "ScotRail is working on a new ‘pay-as-yougo type product. Customers will download an app and fill in their preferred payment method – they’ll just do this once. When the customer arrives at the station, they’ll tap ‘Begin Journey’ on the app and confirm their location via a prompt.
"A barcode pass will then be generated – this is basically the ticket for travel, and that’s what’s used to pass through the station gate and show the ticket examiners. There’s no further action to be taken after that. The app will automatically recognise the end of your journey and will check for the cheapest fare available before taking payment.”
ScotRail said staff would test it first.