 |
More options: How the new Gatwick Airport rail station will look following its transformation |
UK. Gatwick Airport is to introduce more convenient train ticketing options for passengers as part of a transformation of rail travel.
Passengers travelling between the airport and London will be able to use pay as you go Oyster and contactless payments from January 2016 on Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services.
It follows an agreement between the UK government, Transport for London and operator Govia Thameslink Railway.
The improved ticketing is designed to give passengers more convenience and flexibility, improve value for money and reduce crowding at stations. Crucially, it will also allow seamless onward connections to London’s transport network and National Rail services.
The announcement comes at a time when Gatwick is making substantial investment across the airport and is seeking government approval for an additional runway, which would see it take on a greater role as a hub airport.
Gatwick Airport Chief Commercial Officer Guy Stephenson said: “A single ticketless system will link Gatwick with the whole of Greater London so passengers can benefit from seamless connections to and throughout the capital. This technology will make journeys easier and ticketing considerably faster.
“This announcement comes at an exciting time for rail access to Gatwick with world class improvements being introduced. Within the next five years new fleets of Gatwick Express and Thameslink trains will come in to service, Gatwick station will be redeveloped and train capacity will be doubled.”
