A major train operator connecting east London with Essex is set to introduce pay as you go payment options across all of its stations.
On August 27, train operator c2c confirmed that its passengers will be able to choose to travel using contactless pay as you go from September.
c2c runs services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in east London and south Essex.
Managing director Rob Mullen said: "I firmly believe that the introduction of pay as you go with contactless - giving customers greater choice, flexibility and simple and easy to understand ticketing and payment options - will make travelling with c2c quicker, more convenient and easier than ever before.”
According to the operator, almost 35.8 million journeys are made on c2c services every year.
Of c2c's 26 stations, contactless payment is already accepted at those lying within zones 1-6 in London, including at Purfleet, Chafford Hundred, Grays and Ockendon.
But from September 22, the remaining 15 stations will be brought on board with the new payment option.
The pay as you go payments can be made during both peak and off-peak travel times using a contactless card or device at departure and arrival stations.
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According to c2c, it is "the only National Rail train operator in the country to offer this payment option across its entire network".
Mr Mullen added: “I am delighted that work to introduce pay as you go with contactless has now been completed and will launch across our entire network next month.
“We know that our customers want a wide range of accessible ticketing and payment options and pay as you go with contactless offers a fast and flexible way for them to access c2c services, and also those within the London Travelcard and wider pay as you go area, while removing the need to book travel in advance or spend time queuing at ticket machines.”
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