Rail passengers travelling between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham will be able to take ticketless train rides as part of a new digital ticketless rail trial.
The trials will be taking place in conjunction with Northern Trains in Yorkshire from the end of September.
The digital ticketing trials will allow passengers to check in and check out seamlessly on rail journeys, using a location-identifying app on their phone.
The app will track journeys using GPS technology and then automatically charge passengers the best fare at the end of the day.
For ticket inspections and to go through ticket barriers, a unique bar code will pop up in the app to be scanned.
This technology replaces the need for paper tickets or more commonly used mobile tickets using QR codes bought online or in-app ahead of your journey.
Doing away with the need to plan and book journeys in advance, the app tracks your journey and determines which trains you took, detecting when you’ve left the rail network.
Up to 4,000 passengers can take part in these trials by simply signing up via the relevant train operator’s website, taking advantage of simpler and more flexible train travel, and a guarantee of the best value fare on the day.
This technology has already been tested widely in Switzerland, Denmark and Scotland, however, this marks the first time these trials are being brought to England’s rail network.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Since I first stood to be Mayor, it’s been my ambition to introduce integrated, tap on and off ticketing technology across the region.
“I’m, therefore, very pleased to see this first step towards simpler and more flexible train tickets being trialled by East Midlands Rail.
“It’s important to me that residents have automatic access to the best value for money when travelling. I urge anyone who uses this line regularly to register their interest and give it a go.
“With full public transport responsibilities being devolved to me in 2026, I look forward to hearing the feedback from East Midlands Rail and working together in the future to make easier journeys possible for everyone in the East Midlands.”
Achievements and innovations in ticketing & payments will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
