Northern Trains has launched a new digital ticketing trial aimed at simplifying travel and unlocking cheaper fares for passengers in Northern England.
From today, passengers on Northern Services between Harrogate and Leeds will no longer need to purchase a ticket before boarding. Instead, the trial uses smart, location-based technology to automatically calculate the cheapest fare on the day of travel, removing the need for pre-booking and making rail travel more accessible.
To encourage uptake, participating passengers will receive £15 in free travel credit.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said, “We’re bringing ticketing into the 21st century. These trials are modernising fares and ticketing, making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.”
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the North, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes.”
Backed by nearly £1 million of government funding, the trials form part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change and the creation of Great British Railways, aimed at modernising the rail network and improving passenger experience.
Ben Rudkin, Operations Director at Resonate Group said, ““Smart, location-based ticketing technology marks a major step forward in modernising how passengers use the railway. By harnessing mobile technology, real-time location data and seamless payment systems, these trials take away the stress of pre-booking, guarantee the lowest price on the day, and simplify everyday journeys.”
“When combined with other cutting-edge innovations such as modern signalling systems, digital scheduling tools and real-time performance monitoring, this new approach to ticketing is part of a wider shift towards a more intelligent, connected railway. Through connected data, we could combine these technologies to facilitate better decision making and prioritisation, and improve the passenger experience.”
Further trials will be rolled out on the Northern Services between Sheffield to Doncaster from 27 October 2025 and Sheffield to Barnsley on 24 November 2025.
