Lanarkshire commuters can look forward to simpler ticketing on the trains with the launch of a new ScotRail app.
Available for travel initially in the Strathclyde area and routes between Strathclyde and Edinburgh, the new Tap&Pay app allows customers to experience the convenience of seamless rail travel without the need to buy tickets in advance.
If successful, ScotRail will look to roll the app out more widely across the network.
The app, now available for download in app stores, enables easy, ticket-free travel using a single-use barcode.
The app works by generating a single-use barcode that can be scanned at ticket gates and on mobile devices in the same way as the train operator’s existing mTickets.
Customers’ journey details are logged by scanning the barcode, with the app identifying the origin and destination station through location mapping.
At the end of the journey, the Tap&Pay app will automatically calculate and charge the best available fare based on the journey made and time of travel.
To ensure customers are provided with the best-value fare, those making multiple trips on the same route over a week will never pay more than the cost of a weekly season ticket.
Better value fares may be available from booking tickets in advance such as through Advance fares, split ticketing, Flexipasses, or monthly and annual season tickets.
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “ScotRail is committed to improving the travel experience for our customers, and the launch of our new Tap&Pay app will make rail travel even more convenient for customers across large parts of the central belt.
“The Tap&Pay system provides a smarter, more convenient way to travel, ensuring customers have a seamless travel experience and receive the best value fare for their journeys.
“We are excited to offer more customers the chance to travel without the need to pre-purchase tickets in this next phase of the trial.”
Chris Barnes, Tracsis Chief Executive Officer, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with ScotRail and launching our pay-as-you-go ticketing app which will deliver greater consumer choice and a best price guarantee without the need to pre-purchase a ticket.
“Tracsis has a long track record of working with the rail industry to deliver innovative technology solutions and this is reflected in the recent nomination of the Tap&Pay app for ‘Ticketing Technology of the Year’ at Transport Ticketing Global 2025.”
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