GPS Trials Aim to Offer Passengers a Cheap Train Ticket

Northern Rail has launched a summer pilot that helps travelers automatically get a cheap train ticket by tracking their route using GPS instead of traditional payment methods. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The trial runs on three lines—Harrogate to Leeds, Sheffield to Doncaster, and Sheffield to Barnsley—and offers participation to up to 1,000 volunteers on each route.

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Unlike older contactless systems that charge at station barriers, the GPS system tracks movement throughout the journey and charges the lowest available fare without any manual input.

Cheap train ticket trials expand digital innovation

By collecting location data, the system identifies start and end points and selects the most affordable fare. This approach aims to reduce ticketing confusion and improve the passenger experience.

Volunteers using the new system will contribute valuable feedback that could shape how fares are calculated in the future across the national network.

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Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy highlighted the importance of ticketing reform, saying digital tools will improve reliability and convenience for everyday rail users.

He urged commuters along the test routes to join the trial, noting that simplifying fare structures supports passengers and boosts confidence in rail services.

Northern Rail’s project could become a model for future national rollouts, offering a smarter alternative to complex fare tables and rigid ticketing zones.

If successful, the trial will mark a turning point in how passengers plan, pay for, and experience rail travel—making it simpler to secure a cheap train ticket using real-time location data.

Source, photo: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

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