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Rail Prices: Contactless Payments
15 April 2026
Lead MP
Rebecca Paul
Reigate
Con
Responding Minister
Keir Mather
Tags
TransportBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 3619
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Rebecca Paul raised concerns about rail prices: contactless payments in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Minister should address specific cases like Reigate by restoring the long-standing off-peak position for the first morning journey or offering a lower fare option. He should review the impact on passengers who depend on discounts, particularly railcard users and families with children. The Department for Transport should investigate anomalies between geographically neighbouring stations and ensure that future changes are accompanied by clear guidance explaining any new restrictions.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The roll-out of contactless payments at Reigate station has introduced changes in ticket prices and travel times without proper consultation or clear communication to passengers. The first off-peak train is now nearly an hour later than before, impacting long-established travel patterns and making it more expensive for some commuters. Discounts such as railcards cannot be applied to pay-as-you-go contactless, disproportionately affecting families and older people. There are also fairness issues between neighbouring stations where similar problems have not arisen.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Thanks the hon. Friend for securing the debate, rais [4D [K raises issues about super off-peak tickets becoming more expensive despite [K Government claims of frozen rail fares, and asks for flexibility in ticketi [7D [K ticketing through contactless technology.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Lady for introducing the debate an [2D [K and raises concerns that contactless roll-out may increase prices and restr [5D [K restrict off-peak hours, arguing for a return to customer-first policy.
Monica Harding
Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Highlights her constituency's significant contributi [10D [K contribution to the Exchequer and questions why it was excluded from tap in [2D [K in, tap out roll-out, asking the Minister when this might change. She expressed concern about the accuracy of figures [K showing that 5.82% of South West Railway services were cancelled in Februar [7D [K February, which she considered poor performance for a commuter line.
Will Forster
Lib Dem
Woking
Agrees that extra charges should be avoided and ques [4D [K questions why Woking station is excluded from tap in, tap out despite being [5D [K being the busiest in Surrey, suggesting fair introduction of this system to [2D [K to other areas.
Government Response
Keir Mather
Government Response
The minister thanked the hon. Member for Reigate and others for their contributions on contactless payment roll-out at railway stations, reassured them about the government's commitment to reviewing implementation issues, and acknowledged concerns raised regarding off-peak services and ticket pricing anomalies. He highlighted that new single-leg priced fares have been introduced at 30 south-eastern stations including Reigate, ensuring passengers benefit from simpler, easier and more flexible ticketing. The minister also pledged further improvements through digital trials in Greater Manchester and the west midlands, stressing the government's commitment to affordability for passengers and taxpayers. He promised a full response to any specific concerns about disruption or ticketing issues raised by MPs.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.