TheTrainline and Midland Mainline have launched the UK’s first mobile phone ticketing pilot for business travellers.
The pilot will be trialled by one of TheTrainline’s corporate clients using Midland Mainline tickets sent to their mobile phones.
Business travellers will be able to book train travel via TheTrainline’s business service and request that the ticket is sent via a secure message to their mobile phones.
Once the message has been activated, up to one and a half hours prior to travel, it can be used to travel on Midland Mainline and can be validated by station staff and on-board train managers.
The Trainline says mobile phone ticketing will reduce the need for paper tickets, encourage more passengers to use train travel, and help reduce ticket office queues.
Commercial director Mark Furlong said: “As an independent rail retailer we are in an ideal position to develop products and services that will innovate and consolidate the rail industry. Mobile phone ticketing is part of our ongoing e-ticketing strategy.”
The mobile phone ticketing trial will involve 15 business travellers and will take place on specified routes between London St. Pancras, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield with Midland Mainline.
By Bev Fearis
