Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway have announced that new barcode readers have been installed to help people socially distance at 8 new stations in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

The new readers have been installed on the station ticket gates at Hitchin, Huntingdon, St Neots, Sandy, Royston, Letchworth, Leagrave and Flitwick.

Passengers who have Thameslink and Great Northern e-tickets on their smartphones can scan them at the gates using the readers, helping people to socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

51 other stations already have the technology and another 10 will get readers in the coming months. E-tickets can be bought via the Great Northern App or Thameslink App as well as online.

Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran said: “People who need to travel with Thameslink and Great Northern can already do so with confidence thanks to our intensive cleaning regime and long-lasting viruscide.”

“Now, by rolling out smartphone e-tickets, and making our free Key smartcard available over the counter, we’re making it even quicker and easier to book tickets online, speeding your trip through the station, minimising contact and helping everyone to socially distance.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “This is a welcome improvement that will help passengers to move to digital tickets, helping reduce the spread of Coronavirus and making travel quicker and more convenient.”

“As we continue to build back better, smartphone e-tickets are a step towards improving our rail network for those that use it.”

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