Smart ticketing for Bristol rail passengers

17 July 2017

Rail passengers travelling into and out of Bristol will benefit from ITSO based smart ticketing, as well as a fleet of modern trains providing benefits such as wi-fi, at-seat plugs and extra seating.

Modern diesel Turbo trains launched on the Severn Beach line into the city, marking the first stage of a full rollout in the Bristol and wider area, providing passengers with more space and more comfort on their journeys to and from work. They are being introduced on commuter routes into Bristol, Taunton, Cardiff, Gloucester and Portsmouth over the next year. The route between Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down and Avonmouth was chosen first because it has seen some of the strongest growth of any community rail line in the country.

In addition, ITSO-based smart ticketing is also to be rolled out locally with trials now underway at 11 stations in the area to make journeys easier. The ‘Touch’ smartcard ticketing pilot is currently being tested at stations on the same Severn Beach line into Bristol and is jointly funded by train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) and Bristol City Council. It is due to launch in September and will allow passengers the option of tapping in and out using cards as well as tickets. Gates along the route are being upgraded with smart readers as part of testing for the scheme.