Remember what it was like on the Underground before Oyster cards? Long queues, tickets getting jammed in the gates and uncooperative ticket machines that spat change back at you. The Oyster card changed all that.
Those of us who live out in the provinces and commute to work have been waiting for a similar scheme to be rolled out for years. Thankfully we need not wait much longer.
Mobile app developers Masabi, in partnership with thetrainline.com, have come up with an mobile ticketing solution which allows you to buy your train ticket on your phone.
You’ll be able to buy tickets for any journey on the National Rail network using your mobile phone. The app is designed to work using either SMS or data connections, so you’ll be able to make use of this app even if you don’t have a bleeding edge 5-inch touchscreen Jesus phone.
Once you’ve bought your ticket, a 2D barcode will be sent to your phone which you then show to train conductors carrying scanners (pictured top right). Apparently stations will get gates will have barcode scanners fitted, so you’ll be able to swipe your way through the gates a-la-Oyster.
Masabi’s mobile ticketing system is being rolled out now and is due to be launched later this year. Watch the video below to see it in action.
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