First ScotRail introduces text-based tickets
Mobile phones replace paper tickets from Scotland to London
First ScotRail, which operates overnight train services between London Euston and several Scottish cities, is replacing some train tickets with SMS text messages.
Passengers can buy tickets online for selected Caledonian Sleep services and have the ticket confirmation sent to both their mobile phone and email address.
Passengers then simply arrive, show the text message to train staff and hop on board; the confirmation email is sent as a back-up service.
The free SMS service, which First ScotRail claims is an industry first, is available for ‘Bargain Berth’ tickets that can only be bought online. Tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance .
Commercial director Peter Williams says the new service offers added convenience for passengers.
‘Most people have a mobile phone and this service means they can book their berth and have a confirmation sent to their phone with no paperwork, no cost and no fuss.’
First ScotRail hopes to widen the SMS ticketing service to other rail tickets available on its routes.
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Further reading
Passengers use mobiles for station car parking