Railcards Now Added To "keyGo" Smartcards In Sussex

Wednesday, 2 September 2020 18:12

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Southern Rail: Lewes Railway Station (Photo: © John Warburton)

Railway passengers in Sussex can now carry 'virtual' discount railcards on the network's existing smartcards that substitute for paper tickets.

The main rail transport provider in Sussex said the scheme, for Southern and Thameslink trains should remove the need to queue or book ahead for most paper or online tickets.

Consequently, it supports social distancing for passengers and station staff during coronavirus restrictions.

The rail operator's parent company said the system is an industry-first expansion of smartcard technology on National Rail, meaning passengers with Railcards can now simply tap in and out at railway stations, knowing their account will automatically be charged the best-value fare for all of that day's journeys — with any Railcard discount included.

Angie Doll, Managing Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said:

"KeyGo itself was an industry-first, giving passengers the convenience and simplicity of pay-as-you-go smartcard travel.

"Since its introduction we have been developing the technology to increase the routes it can be used on, the value it offers, and the number of passengers who can benefit.

"Coupling keyGo with discount Railcards is a game-changer, with so many more people now able to take advantage of tap-in, tap-out travel.

"It's something our passengers have been asking for, especially since the 26-30 Railcard became available, and will save people time queuing for tickets, also aiding social distancing."

The railway operated added that it believed Covid-19 restrictions on social distancing had "increased customer demand for smart ticketing", which minimises contact and time spent at the station, and can offer better-value fares for less-frequent travel.

According to the company, KeyGo allows flexibility and convenience over a traditional season ticket, where customers don't need to buy a ticket in advance and are only charged when they travel.