The UK’s first pilot of GPS-based transport ticketing is to take place on Northern and East Midlands Railway rail services later this year, the Department for Transport has announced.

The government has initiated the procurement process to identify suppliers to implement global positioning system (GPS)-based technology for the trials, slated for later this year.

The trials, set to be conducted in partnership with Northern and East Midlands Railways, aim to simplify and add flexibility to ticketing by utilizing GPS technology to track journeys and ensure passengers pay the best fare.

A “unique” barcode generated in the app will facilitate ticket inspections and barrier access.

Contactless ticketing is expected to offer passengers a more accessible and convenient travel option, ensuring the best value fare and aligning with the government’s Plan for Change to improve living standards.

The trials, supported by government funding, are part of efforts to modernize transport, prioritize passenger experience, and encourage train travel, contributing to economic growth.

UK Rail Minister Peter Hendy said:

“We’ve seen the success that contactless ticketing has on making journeys easier to navigate and attracting more people to our railways.

“It’s only right that we now look to expand contactless ticketing to other major cities across the North and Midlands, ensuring they can reap the economic benefits that simpler ticketing offers and that passengers are having a better experience.”

This initiative builds upon the success of contactless ticketing in the South East, where over 268,000 contactless entries and exits were recorded in the first six months at the initial six stations.

Additionally, the department is collaborating with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to expand contactless ticketing.

This comes in conjunction with a recent government consultation on a transformative bill for Britain’s railways, which includes ticketing reforms and the establishment of a passenger watchdog to empower travellers and ensure operator accountability.

East Midlands Railway commercial strategy and business planning head Oli Cox said:

“We’re excited to be trialling digital pay as you go between Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, making rail travel simpler and more convenient for our customers.”

Earlier this month, construction began on the £295m ($367.1m) West Midlands Metro extension in the UK, funded by the government’s £1.05bn ($1.30bn) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

Key Features of the GPS-Based Transport Ticketing

1. Distance-Based Fares: Instead of fixed fares, passengers will be charged based on the exact distance they travel. This could make fares fairer, especially for those who take shorter trips.
2. Seamless Travel: The system will allow passengers to move between different modes of transport (e.g., buses, trains, trams) without needing to purchase separate tickets. This could encourage more people to use public transport by simplifying the process.
3. Contactless Payments: The system will likely integrate with existing contactless payment methods, such as debit/credit cards or mobile payment apps, making it easier for passengers to pay without needing physical tickets.
4. Real-Time Tracking: GPS technology will enable real-time tracking of journeys, allowing transport operators to optimize routes and improve service reliability.
5. Environmental Benefits: By encouraging the use of public transport and optimizing routes, the system could contribute to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.