Extra barcode readers which allow customers to scan eTickets using their smartphone have now been included on ticket gates to provide 100% coverage whilst bringing a reduction in queues at the following stations; Flitwick, Harpenden, Hitchin, Huntingdon, Kings Lynn, Letchworth Garden City, St Neots and Stevenage.

Approximately half of the tickets sold in the UK are digital including those sold on smartcards. eTickets Provide a convenient approach allowing tickets to be purchased instantly using the rail operator’s OnTrack apps or websites.

eTickets Are perfect for purchasing advanced singles, peak and off-peak singles and peak and off-peak day return tickets between any stations with a barcode reader on the ticket gates.

To buy an eTicket, simply purchase your ticket online and select eTicket as your delivery option, the eTicket can be found in your email and can be added to a wallet app on your phone, the eTicket can then be scanned on a reader at the ticket gates to allow travel.

The apps which support passengers with eTickets (if they are available for the route being travelled on) are; Great Northern OnTrack app, Thameslink OnTrack app, Southern On Track app Gatwick Express OnTrack app. Websites which offer eTickets are greatnorthernrail.com, thameslinkrailway.com, southernrailway.com or gatwickexpress.com

Customer Services Director Jenny Saunders said:

“Barcode eTickets are quick to buy and convenient to use so we’re steadily adding them to more and more ticket gates across our stations to make life easier for our customers.”

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer at the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“We’re making it easier for people to buy train tickets with people rapidly switching to buying online and now using digital tickets for half of all journeys. Investment in smart ticketing across the network has made train travel quicker and easier as people can get their ticket straight to their phone.”