Merseyrail tap-and-go ticketing trial set to begin

The new system is being trialled on the Northern and Wirral lines

A new contactless system for purchasing train tickets on the Merseyrail network has taken a "big step forward" as it enters its testing phase, the region's metro mayor has said.

The new tap-and-go system was announced in 2024 and was originally intended to be introduced last autumn.

As part of a £10m investment in the network, passengers will be able to use a Metro Card linked to their bank account to make journeys across the Liverpool City region.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said the system will guarantee travellers the most economic fare, and remove the need to queue for tickets.

Some rail users said the system was "long overdue"

"The measure of any 21st century public transport system is how quickly, cheaply and easily it helps passengers get from A to B – and that starts by how people pay for their journey," he said.

"For too long, passengers in our region have been forced to contend with an outdated, antiquated and fragmented ticketing system that simply doesn't work in their favour.

"Our plans for a new tap-and-go system will make it easier than ever for passengers, removing unnecessary queues and ensuring they never have to pay over-the-odds to get about our region."

James Finney said people can "get caught out" by the need to have a printed ticket

Passengers at Liverpool's Central Station have welcomed the move.

Beau Boyce, who works in a coffee shop near to the station, said the move was "long overdue", an opinion echoed by Merseyrail-user Erin Armitage, who added the new system would be "very useful if it cuts down waiting in a queue for tickets".

James Finney, who regularly travels by train, said the current system which requires a printed ticket, can "catch people out" when they are making connections.

"You expect tap-and-go now, from going to other stations," he said.

"And trying to get your ticket, sometimes you run out of time because you don't expect to have to queue."

The tap-and-go system is part of a £10m investment in the network

The first phase of the launch will see 50 volunteers test the system using a Metro Card on Northern and Wirral lines.

In the second stage, expected later this year, rail users will be able to use bank cards and smart devices at the barriers.

Mr Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "Moving to this testing stage is a big step forward towards rolling out this technology which will unlock so many benefits for our region - removing the need for unnecessary queues, ensuring that no one spends more than they need to get around our region – and protecting revenue streams for further investment in improvements."