Beginning of the end for paper rail tickets?
Rail tickets could disappear by 2010 across the UK rail network, online firm TheTrainline predicted as it introduced an e-ticketing trial.
Passengers using Midland Mainline and One train services will be able to take part in the UK’s first major rail eTicketing trial. The move is designed to cut down on station queues, emulating how many airlines now operate.
The Print@Home trial will allow passengers using the two networks to book discounted train travel on www.thetrainline.com, www.midlandmainline.com or www.onerailway.com and print out the booking on a home or office printer. The paper booking can then be validated by station staff and on-board conductors.
The company says Print@Home tickets will be “substantially discounted” during the trial and available on specified routes between London St Pancreas, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield with Midland Mainline and London Liverpool Street and Cambridge with One.
TheTrainline commercial director Mark Furlong said: “eTicketing is part of our commitment towards innovative retailing and ticket solutions that meet the needs of both customers and industry. We know through research that our customers are keen to use eTicketing, so we are delighted that Midland Mainline and One have come on-board.
“Print@Home is just the first element of our eTicketing strategy which will eventually see customers receiving a booking reference number, or barcode, via SMS to their mobile for on-board validation by a train manager.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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