ScotRail launched a new app in January which allows travellers to “tap-on” and “tap-off” the train to pay.
The app eliminates the need for rail users to pre-purchase tickets, only requiring the location of the initial station. From departure, ScotRail uses a barcode which is scanned at ticket gates. On completion of the journey, the app calculates and charges the lowest fare available – based on the route and time of travel.
Currently, ScotRail’s Pay-As-You-Go is only accessible to those in the Strathclyde area of Glasgow. ScotRail is looking to branch out to Edinburgh next, with the aim of expanding to the rest of Scotland’s Central Belt.
Some students complain that buying tickets in advance can be difficult, especially when accounting for delays that affect the network, so pay-as-you-go is intended to provide more flexibility.
Best value pricing also brings peace of mind, as different ticket options can be confusing. Peak and off-peak times are often route-dependent, and hard to identify when purchasing.
However, the new app is an addition, rather than a replacement, to the pre-existing ScotRail app. Users have complained about the need to constantly switch between apps to access times and prices from one app, and the barcode on the other. Many students agree it would be much easier and simpler for ScotRail to combine the two apps.
“newly revinyled into Scotrail Intercity livery, 43032 meets former stablemate 43189, in GWR green, on its way from Loughborough to Inverness.” by penske666 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.