Passengers travelling between Gatwick Airport and London can now to “touch in and out” with the introduction of pay as you go using Oyster and Contactless as new payment methods.
To mark the introduction, Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin visited Gatwick Airport to see the first customers use the ticketing technology, which is now available for Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services from London to Gatwick Airport.
Ticket facilities at five other stations along the route – Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham – have also been upgraded to support pay as you go.
The new payment methods mean more convenience and flexibility for passengers and will help reduce crowding at stations.
Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “The introduction of Oyster and Contactless gates at Gatwick Airport station mean even more passengers get the advantage of a quick, simple, easier journeys when travelling between central London and one of its major gateways.
“We know that the convenience of Oyster and Contactless payments are what many passengers want. By extending their use to extra stations we are building a modern railway that strengthens the economy and provides better journeys for all.”
David Brown, chief executive of The Go-Ahead Group said: “We’re very pleased to have played our part in making this complex project a success. Working in partnership with the Department for Transport, Transport for London and Gatwick Airport Ltd has resulted in passengers having greater choice and more convenient payment options to travel between Gatwick and London which is something we know customers appreciate. The extension of Oyster and Contactless to the airport brings the industry a step closer to moving away from paper tickets.”
Angie Doll, Gatwick Express Passenger Service Director said: “We’re delighted that pay as you go with Oyster and Contactless have now taken off from Gatwick Airport station. This now gives our passengers another way to pay for their journeys. It also paves the way for an exciting time ahead, when we introduce a brand new Gatwick Express train fleet in the spring and look forward to a superb newly designed and refurbished station.”
All existing peak and off-peak fares, advance fares, period fares, and group ticket offers from Gatwick Airport will be maintained, including the special Thameslink only fares offers and the Southern Key card, ensuring passengers have real choice about how they travel and the fare they pay. These may cost less than pay as you go and customers are advised to check online in advance.
