Please watch the video below from Green Signals about the digital pay as you go trial by East Midlands Railway, but a system that could have clear potential in places like Northumberland where many smaller stations are unlikely to get the infrastructure seen at major stations like Newcastle Central.
A solution to current Pop card confusion?
This is a pertinent issue in the North East with potential confusion around the use of Pop cards on the Northumberland Line, but these not being valid on services to or from the MetroCentre which now sees a direct link to Ashington on Sundays only. Please read this BBC article in full for further info: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c394vxpnzrlo
An interesting aspect of the app based system as detailed in the Green Signals video is the lack of need to make investments into ‘ticket validators’, and as stated in the video, this trial was rolled out in just 10 weeks or so, thereby offering a quick AND cost effective solution for passengers?
It also states that this system is complimentary to other ticketing systems, including paper tickets, not a 100% replacement, but the more options available the better!
The Northumberland Coast Loop 