Smart ticketing introduced on Abellio Greater Anglia services

The Department of Transport (DfT) has announced the introduction of smart ticketing on Abellio Greater Anglia services.

Commuters from East Anglia and Essex will benefit from the ease and flexibility provided by smart tickets. The signed agreement between Abellio Greater Anglia and the DfT, part of the South East Flexible Ticketing (SEFT) programme, will upgrade ticketing systems and begin a phased introduction of smart cards, initially for season ticket products, on parts of its network.

The introduction will replace existing paper tickets, reduce queues at ticket offices, improve passage through automatic ticket barriers, provide flexible ticketing options and enhance online purchase and collection at stations.

The work will be done throughout 2015 with the aim of launching at the end of the year. Initial routes to benefit are between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, Ely, Norwich and Southend Victoria.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “This is another example of the rail industry making progress, with the government’s support, in developing an easy and seamless transport network with the passenger at its heart.

 “Harnessing the latest technology holds the key to offering passengers the best possible services. This is especially important as we embark on major investments in our railways to build a stronger economy and fairer society.”

Managing Director for Abellio Greater Anglia, Jamie Burles, said: “Abellio Greater Anglia are excited to be participating in this initiative, which will provide significant customer benefits and make rail travel even more attractive and accessible.”

Abellio Greater Anglia is the latest train operating company to commit to offering passengers smart ticketing through the SEFT programme.  Other operators who have previously signed similar commitments include c2c, South West Trains, Southern, and Govia Thameslink Railway.

Further reading:

What are the latest developments in smart ticketing for mainline rail in the UK and across Europe? Global Railway Review’s Rail Ticketing Supplement in Issue 3 2015 (published in May) will feature key articles to highlight how this area of the industry is moving forward.

Make sure you receive the issue in print by subscribing now at www.globalrailwayreview.com/subscribe.