‘Tap in, tap out’ train travel is set to be trialled at several stations in Greater Manchester next year as part of a new pilot scheme.
It means thousands more passengers will benefit from “simpler and more flexible” travel.
Under the new pilot schemes announced by Rail Minister Huw Merriman today (1 February), 90 railway stations across the West Midlands, and on selected routes in Greater Manchester, are set to be fitted with cutting-edge technology that allows passengers to simply ‘tap-in and tap-out’ of their local train network.
Essentially meaning there’ll be no need to plan ahead or search for the right train ticket, the Governmentclaims passengers can rest assured knowing they’ll pay “the best fare” for their journey.
The pilot schemes are said to be part of the Government’s plans to “reform the railways”, while also delivering on ‘Trailblazer’ devolution deals that are aimed at giving local leaders and authorities a “bigger say” in how their rail network is run.
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We’re making rail journeys in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester simpler and more flexible, with contactless train travel due to be launched at over 90 new stations next year.
Trials will also apparently “pave the way” for the future rollout of similar technology to more stations across the North and Midlands.
This is funded, in part, by £100 million that’s been reallocated from the now-defunct HS2.
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Greater Manchester’s pilot scheme is planned to include 17 stations on the Glossop to Manchester Piccadilly, and Stalybridge to Manchester Victoria lines, and will use contactless bank cards and devices to run.
The Department for Transport (DfT) say’s our region’s scheme will support the wider ambition to deliver full multi-modal fares and ticketing integration across bus, Metrolink, rail and cycle hire as part of the Bee Network by 2030.
‘Tap in, tap out’ train travel is to be trialled in Greater Manchester next year / Credit: gov.uk
“We want to encourage more people back onto our trains, with tap-in technology meaning using our stations couldn’t be easier,” Rail Minister Huw Merriman said as the pilot schemes were announced this morning.
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“Our railways have a long history, but projects like these, which are part of the Government’s wider plans for reform, will ensure they have a bright future too.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham added: “We are transforming how people travel in Greater Manchester, with the aim for people to pay for journeys easily and seamlessly across buses, trams, trains, and cycle hire.
“We look forward to progressing with these new contactless rail pilots and working together to develop a more meaningful and accountable partnership that allows us to integrate local rail services across the city-region into the Bee Network.”
With plans already underway expand pay-as-you-go train travel in the South East later this year too, the pilot stations confirmed today will see the total number of ‘tap in, tap out’ stations in England increase to around 500 in 2025.
Featured Image – Rail Delivery Group (via iStock)
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AO Arena announces ‘In Conversation’ event with Luke Una
Much loved DJ and musical artist Luke Una is the latest act appearing at the AO Arena as part of their ‘In Conversation’ event taking place in Manchester later this year.
Luke Cowdrey, known more commonly under the name Luke Una, makes up one half of the unforgettable DJ duo, The Unabombers, who were widely respected in the Manchester club scene.
Known for his involvement in pivotal club movements like Homobloc and E Soul Cultura, he certainly knows how to live it large.
Una’s music helped define the underground scene in Manchester during the 1980s and 90s alongside The Unabombers bandmate, Justin Crawford.
The two were known for producing music in the Northern Sulphuric Soul genre and even ran a legendary club night titled ‘Electric Chair’.
Their music tended to blend lots of different sounds from across the globe, including Latin, hip-hop, disco, house and more.
Now, Una is ditching the decks for a mellower event focused all around his music, where he will be sharing stories that have taken place over the course of his expansive four-decade-long career.
All the talks taking place at AO Arena will be hosted by none other than BBC 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins known for his work regularly hosting an early morning radio show and also documentaries too.
Una isn’t the only guest who will be talking all things career and Northern music, The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess is also taking part in the AO Arena’s newest talk series ‘Live And In Conversation’ set to take place this month.
The adored DJ is taking to the incredible Manchester venue on 18 May from 6pm to 10:30pm, giving guests plenty of opportunities to learn all about his artistry and skill.
Luke Una is sitting down with Chris Hawkins for AO Arena’s ‘Live And In Conversation’ series, with tickets going on sale HERE.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has condemned the Man United fans who began what has been described as a ‘sick’ chant during this weekend’s Manchester derby.
It was a forgettable outing for both sides of the city after a game where a lack of quality in the final third ultimately led to a bore draw at Old Trafford.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, having already made a point of consoling him on the pitch after the full-time whistle, Guardiola said it displayed “a lack of class” from the home support.
Although the Catalan coach added the caveat that “it’s not United, it’s the people [instead]” and does happen all over the world, he still questioned the need to draw family members into chanting.
Described by many online as abuse, he went on to state that those involved “should be ashamed” and simply showed a lapse in “integrity” from those who continued well into the second half.
Foden himself could be seen reacting to the chants during the game, giving the crowd a sarcastic thumbs up and then swinging his arm upwards as if to ask for them to keep it up.
It would have no doubt stirred plenty of motivation in the 24-year-old Stopfordian, but he was ultimately subbed off just before the hour mark to a further chorus of jeers and looked to be somewhat limping down the tunnel after all was said and done – again, with the chants about his mum continuing.
Striker Troy Deeney told talkSPORT that it is merely “part of the game, unfortunately”, and United legend Gary Neville still criticised both sides for being too friendly both before and after what is supposed to be a fierce rivalry.
Is he right?
Though an arm around the shoulder from Pep in the immediate aftermath served as a touching gesture and consolation for Foden following a difficult evening, the England international has so far refused to comment on the treatment from the opposition supporters afterwards.
If anything, his subsequent post on social media was a standard but defiant one, simply writing: “We keep going.”
Despite struggling to hit the same heights he did last season and has shown in spells over recent years, former City defender Micah Richards still believes we’ll see a “better” Phil Foden when team talisman De Bruyne leaves at the end of the season.
You can watch the highlights from the game down below.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2024 
