Rail passengers in South Yorkshire can now join hundreds across England in testing new digital ticketing technology, as a trial begins on Northern services between Sheffield and Doncaster.
From 3 November 2025, travellers on this route will be able to access simpler and more flexible ticket options using a location-based app that allows them to check in and out automatically. The system uses GPS technology to track journeys and charges passengers at the end of the day. For inspections and barrier checks, a unique barcode appears in the app to be scanned.
The technology removes the need for paper or pre-booked mobile tickets, giving passengers greater flexibility and ensuring they always pay the best fare for the journeys they take. More than 2,000 trips have already been completed under similar trials on East Midlands Railway and Northern services since the initiative began in September 2025.
The latest trial forms part of the government’s wider plan to modernise the rail network through the creation of Great British Railways, designed to simplify fares and improve services nationwide. Participants in the South Yorkshire trial will also receive £15 of free travel credit automatically added to their account.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through these trials, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible.
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.”
Northern’s first trial of the technology has already received positive feedback from passengers, with users describing the app as “easy to install…and simple to use” and “much better than the chore of buying tickets in advance.”
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said:
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of modernising rail travel in the North. The success of the first trial has shown that passengers value the simplicity and flexibility that technology brings.
This second trial is an exciting next step and we’re excited to offer customers in that area a smarter, easier way to travel. This is about removing barriers and making rail the obvious choice for everyday journeys.”
Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said:
“It’s encouraging to see new technology being trialled to make rail travel easier for us all here in South Yorkshire. We know ticketing can be a barrier, especially for people who don’t travel often, so anything that helps make the system more straightforward to use is a step in the right direction.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on how this trial works for passengers. If it helps break down barriers and makes rail more accessible for everyone, then it’s something we’ll want to build on.”
Backed by nearly £1 million of government funding, the digital ticketing trials are part of a broader effort to modernise the transport system, prioritising passenger experience and encouraging more people to travel by train as part of the government’s mission to deliver sustainable growth.
