Pay-as-you-go train ticket scheme expands

Passengers will be able to pay contactless at barriers at a further 14 stations in Surrey and Kent

More rail stations in the south-east of England are set to offer passengers the means to pay contactless for tickets at barriers.

A further eight stations in Surrey and six in Kent will be introducing the tap-in-tap-out card payment system from 22 September.

Travellers will be able to continue to use pre-paid barcode and paper tickets, according to the Rail Delivery Group.

A spokesperson said it would "simplify" travel, offering passengers "a more flexible and convenient travel experience".

"Customers will also be able to seamlessly switch between different trains, London Underground, buses and trams."

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: "The way our customers buy tickets has also changed dramatically since the pandemic, and that’s why we’re delighted that pay-as-you-go technology is being expanded.

"It is a step in the right direction providing convenience, simplicity and flexibility."

The new stations taking contactless cards at barriers will be:

Kent: Bat & Ball, Dunton Green, Eynsford, Otford, Sevenoaks, Shoreham.

Surrey: Ashford, Egham, Kempton Park, Shepperton, Staines, Sunbury, Upper Halliford, Virginia Water.