The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced its plans to invest £153,000 to upgrade ticket gates at Huddersfield railway station, enabling passengers to use smartcards.
Following the successful launch of London’s Oyster scheme, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is now set to unveil its own version of the smartcard, known as the MCard.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee chair councillor James Lewis said: "This funding will help to ensure that the passengers who use Huddersfield Station every year will be able to do so using MCard smartcards to get through the ticket gates."
"After Bradford Interchange and Leeds, Huddersfield will become the third major West Yorkshire station to have smart-enabled gates."
The smartcard technology will provide more convenience for passengers, while eliminating the need to issue paper tickets and allowing train operators to offer more flexible ticketing options.
Transport minister Robert Goodwill said: "As part of our long-term economic plan, we are investing record amounts to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century. That means harnessing the latest technology to offer the best possible services for passengers."
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By GlobalData"Smartcards are a key part of that, offering greater flexibility and ease of use for passengers."
The upgrade work on the ticket gates will be completed by December.
Image: The UK Government has announced funding to upgrade ticket gates at Huddersfield railway station. Photo: courtesy of UK DfT.