Merseyrail launches tap-and-go ticketing

A new contactless ticketing system aims to speed journeys across the Liverpool City Region by linking a MetroCard to passengers' bank accounts.

Merseyrail tap-and-go ticketing launched

Merseyrail has launched a tap-and-go payment system for tickets across the Liverpool City Region. Passengers can use a MetroCard linked to their bank account to purchase journeys on the go, removing the need to queue for paper tickets.

The rollout follows a two-month pilot and includes a guarantee that the lowest fare will be charged on all journeys. City region mayor Steve Rotheram described the system as making travel simple, affordable, and fit for the future.

This shift signals a broader push to digitize regional transport. If adoption grows, it could reduce queues, speed up journeys, and improve fare accuracy. Yet it raises questions about digital access, data privacy, and who bears the upfront costs of the new technology. The long-term success will hinge on coverage, reliability, and continued political support.

Highlights

Riders will be watching how the system performs as the region moves toward digital payments.