Tap and go ticketing is set to revolutionize travel on the Merseyrail network later this year, following an announcement by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram. The new system, similar to the one used on the London Underground, will make commuting more convenient for passengers.
Scheduled to be available through the Liverpool City Region Metro Card by autumn 2024, tap and go will offer a lowest price fare promise. This system will require passengers to tap in at the beginning and end of their journey, ensuring a capped daily and weekly fare through the smart system. Initially, travelers will use a Metro Card linked to their bank account, with phase two allowing payment via debit card or smartphone set for introduction in 2025.
While the new system aims to simplify ticketing, passengers will still have the option to purchase season tickets, as well as daily and return tickets from rail stations or online through the Metro Portal. Mayor Rotheram emphasized the importance of modernizing the ticketing infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing city region.
The planned investment of nearly £10 million in public transport ticketing aims to not only streamline the commuting experience but also encourage more people to choose public transportation over private cars. By drawing inspiration from the successful London system, Mayor Rotheram envisions a ticketing system that prioritizes passenger convenience and affordability.
As preparations progress for the launch of the tap and go contactless system, more details will be shared with the public in the coming months. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development in Merseyrail’s ticketing evolution.
