Contactless train payment rollout continues

The Department for Transport said the new way of paying is "simpler" for passengers

More rail stations in the South East have begun to allow passengers to pay contactless for tickets at barriers.

The new way of paying, which involves tapping in and out on ticket barriers or machines at stations, is being rolled out from a handful of stations on Sunday after a previous delay due to a cyber attack affecting Transport for London (TfL).

The Department for Transport said the new way of paying is "simpler" and passengers are "guaranteed the best available fare".

Passengers will still be able to continue to use pre-paid barcode and paper tickets, said the Rail Delivery Group.

The roll out includes an additional six stations in Kent and eight in Surrey:

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

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

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: "We are committed to developing a simpler and better-value fare system that not only meets our customers' expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel and enhances the overall customer experience."

Further stations in the south east, including Dorking (Main), Leatherhead, Oxted, East Grinstead, Lingfield and Reigate, will adopt contactless payments later in 2025 - but a date for this roll out has yet to be set.