Commuters call for e-ticketing

Train users want wider smartcard use

Commuters believe advanced rail ticketing technology could solve queuing problems in the UK, according to research.

A study conducted by independent rail watchdog Passenger Focus suggests passengers feel that smartcard ticketing would speed up queues and ease penalty fare worries.

The ability to avoid buying separate tickets for each journey was another motivation for supporting the use of smartcards.

But passengers also thought that security technology should be in place for when tickets are stolen or lost.

"Train operating companies need to provide alternative and flexible means of buying tickets and give passengers what they want,” said Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith.

“There is a real need to capitalise on the momentum of London’s Oyster smartcard and explore the potential for wider application of smartcard technology across the UK’s rail network.”

The study polled passengers in 10 focus groups across London, Cardiff, Newcastle and Glasgow.