Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has announced the introduction of a tap-and-go system on the Merseyrail network. This new system will accept contactless payments, providing passengers with the best price for their journey and eliminating the need to purchase tickets in advance.
The implementation of this tap-and-go system is part of a larger plan to invest nearly £10 million in modernizing public transport ticketing in the Liverpool City Region. The goal is to create a London-style transport system that offers smoother, faster, and more affordable journeys for all passengers.
In addition to improving the overall travel experience, the new system is intended to encourage more individuals to choose public transportation over cars. This shift will not only help enhance air quality but also support the city region’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of national government targets.
Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasized the importance of simplifying the ticketing process for commuters and recognized the need for a more streamlined system to meet the region’s growing demands. The introduction of tap-and-go technology aims to make it easier and quicker for people to travel within the Liverpool City Region, while also ensuring fair pricing and protecting revenue for future improvements.
The tap-and-go system will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase launching this autumn for passengers using a Metro Card linked to their bank account. The second phase, scheduled for 2025, will allow passengers to use their bank cards, phones, or watches to pay for their journeys without the need for a Metro Card.
Passengers will be required to tap in at the beginning and end of their journeys to ensure they receive the lowest fare possible, with daily and weekly fare caps in place. While the new system will offer convenience and flexibility, passengers will still have the option to purchase season tickets, daily tickets, and return tickets from rail stations or online via the Metro Portal.
More details about the tap-and-go system will be made available in the coming months as plans progress to ensure the necessary infrastructure and technology are in place for a successful launch.
