The contactless payment system used so successfully in London (and licensed to other major cities worldwide) is being extended in area.
It is planned that over 230 mainline rail stations, including it appears Guildford, around London are to be brought into Transport for London’s contactless payments system over the next couple of years, under an agreement between Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL).
The DfT have decided that around 233 stations would be upgraded to accept contactless payments to allow customers to travel to/from London using a single tap in/tap out with their bank card.
The upgrade is part of a wider initiative to make it simpler to catch a train without the hassles of selecting which sort of ticket a person should buy in advance in order to avoid paying more than they should.
TfL already runs a large contactless payments system that offers what the DfT is looking for, thus TfL are contracted to supply the equipment and the on-going service. The project’s cost of circa £68 million cost is being fully covered by the DfT. The validation equipment will be the same as used on TfL.
An initial 53 stations will be added into the TfL system by end of 2022, with the remaining 180 stations being completed by 2024.
The scheme covers bank cards but there is no intention of providing validators for Oyster cards which are declining in use in London. South West Rail are looking at a similar contactless scheme across their network how fare structures integrate between SWR and TfL will be a interesting question! Bus travel is not curently included in the scheme.
The map below gives a draft view of the extent of the scheme as documented in 2019
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.
