Swiss mobility company Fairtiq has begun a trial of its digital, pay-as-you-go train ticketing app on the Sheffield to Doncaster line. The pilot allows passengers to tap on and off without purchasing paper tickets, with fares automatically calculated and processed through the platform.
The trial targets both commuter and leisure travellers, offering cashless transactions and simplified access to local transport links. Sheffield and Doncaster are key regional hubs, connecting passengers to cultural attractions, green spaces, and wider Yorkshire destinations including the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales.
Fairtiq has operated successfully in Switzerland, where its system reduces queue times and automates fare calculations. The Yorkshire pilot will collect data on user experience, ticketing efficiency, and integration with existing transport networks.
The project aligns with broader UK transport objectives, including cashless travel, improved accessibility, and reduced environmental impact by cutting paper ticket use and reliance on ticket machines. Should the pilot prove effective, Fairtiq plans to explore expansion across additional UK routes, targeting both domestic and international visitors and supporting smoother, more sustainable travel.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in digital ticketing solutions within the UK rail sector, offering operators a way to streamline operations and enhance customer experience while supporting regional tourism and public transport development.
