Tracsis Play Key Role in Next-Generation Rail Ticketing Trial

Tracsis is proud to have been chosen as a technology provider for the Rail Delivery Group's (RDG) Digital Pay-As-You-Go (DPAYG) trial, following a competitive procurement process.

DPAYG Trial

Launched on 29 September, the nine-month trial will test intuitive smartphone-based technology that uses GPS to track journeys and automatically apply the lowest available fare. The system eliminates the need for paper tickets or the more common mobile tickets with QR codes, which must be purchased in advance. Instead, the app records travel activity, identifies the trains taken, and detects when passengers leave the rail network.

Four app providers, including Tracsis, have been selected to run their solutions on separate lines. Tracsis's selection reflects its strong partnerships with RDG, Great British Railways (GBR) and the Department for Transport (DfT). Insights from the trial will inform decisions on broader, permanent deployment of DPAYG.

Trial deployment on Harrogate-Leeds Line

As a result of being selected for the trial, Tracsis will begin trial deployment of HOPSTA, its white-label Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) mobile application, on the Harrogate to Leeds route.

HOPSTA, powered by smartTIS, efficiently logs departures and arrivals, computes optimal fares, and for validation and passing through barriers, the app generates a unique barcode that can be scanned.

Northern passengers are already embracing modern ticketing, with mobile tickets now accounting for nearly 78% of monthly sales and peaking at 89% on a single day earlier this year. This shift has contributed to a reduction of over 2.3 million orange 'magstripe' tickets in just 12 months, underlining the growing demand for digital-first solutions like HOPSTA.

Simon Critchley, Managing Director, Rail Technology & Services, Said:

"Our participation in the Digital Pay-As-You-Go trial underscores Tracsis's commitment to advancing rail technology. By leveraging our smartTIS platform, HOPSTA offers passengers a seamless, fare-optimised travel experience without the need for pre-purchased tickets.

This initiative aligns with our broader vision of integrating innovative solutions across the UK's transport networks, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction."

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

"We're bringing ticketing into the 21st century. These trials are modernising fares and ticketing, making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.

"As part of our Plan for Change, we're delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the north, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes."

Building on successful trails in 200+ stations

In addition to the Harrogate-Leeds line trial, HOPSTA is currently being piloted by ScotRail across 200+ stations, following a successful pilot that served the Strathclyde area and routes to Edinburgh. All Tracsis PAYG solutions are powered by smartTIS, a secure backend platform used by GTR, GWR, TfW, and Merseyrail.

Future Integration with Tap Converter

Looking ahead, if the trial proves successful and DPAYG is adopted more widely, it is expected to integrate with Tap Converter, the central PAYG processing system developed by Tracsis in partnership with RDG.

This platform will power PAYG ticketing across urban rail networks nationwide integrating with, bus and tram schemes in the UK, ensuring that passengers are automatically charged the best available fare, with discounts, entitlements, and caps applied seamlessly. The system will also provide TOCs with real-time fare information and settlement records to simplify financial processing.

Get Involved

Northern passengers will get up to £15 free travel when they download the app. To register your interest visit: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/pay-as-you-go

About Tracsis

Tracsis is a leader in smart ticketing solutions for the UK rail industry, delivering integrated technologies that simplify travel for passengers and reduce operational complexity for transport operators.