Northern launches nine-month digital ticketless trials

Northern Trains and the Department for Transport have launched trials of a digital pay-as-you-go ticketing system on Northern services between Harrogate and Leeds, with Sheffield–Doncaster and Sheffield–Barnsley set to follow. Passengers download an app, tap to start and end journeys, and the app uses GPS/location tracking to record trips, calculate the lowest possible fare at the end of the day, and produce a barcode for gateline access and onboard inspections. Participants are being offered £15 of free credit, the trials are backed by nearly £1 million in government funding and are expected to run for around nine months; the rollout follows a similar East Midlands trial. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin welcomed the scheme as a way to simplify travel, encourage sustainable transport and boost regional connectivity and growth.