Passengers can now buy season tickets from the comfort of their own home and add them to their Key smartcard using their phone. Credit: Govia Thameslink Railway.

UK-based train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced that passengers can purchase season tickets via the OnTrack phone app.

This is expected to aid passengers to maintain social distancing by avoiding ticket queues amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Passengers will have to tap their Key smartcard onto their NFC-enabled smartphone to purchase weekly, monthly and annual season tickets.

This feature is available for passengers using the Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern trains.

The loading-up of season tickets purchased online is said to take less time compared with the time for the electronic ticket to arrive.

Passengers can also see all the purchased tickets on the smartcard by tapping it on their smartphone.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Thameslink and Great Northern MD Tom Moran said: “Using our Key smartcard and smartphone technology can really save you time queuing at the station, which will also help you socially distance. It’s one of the many ways we are helping those who must travel.

“Please think, ‘Is my journey really necessary?’ If it is, avoid the busiest times of the day, in particular from 6am to 7:30am, wear a face covering, and wash or sanitise your hands before and after each trip.”

In May, GTR used a powerful new virucide to kill Covid-19 for up to 30 days.

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Railway Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
MTR Corporation and Dragages Hong Kong triumphed in three categories – Research & Development, Environmental and Safety – for their Kwu Tung Station project . Learn how this future Northern Link–East Rail Line interchange sets new benchmarks in digital construction, decarbonisation and safety management.

Discover the Impact