Frustration grows as Merseyrail’s tap-and-go payment system faces delays, leaving commuters stuck in long queues.
This happens often during busy times at that station. Many Merseyrail users want tap and go payments like other cities that have this seamless technology. London and Manchester use it, for example, so you can pay fares with cards or phones.
A photo of the queue went online. People were confused Liverpool lacks this tech. One person said Merseyrail needs to update its ticketing, while another called the situation “madness.”
Someone noted Liverpool buses have tap and go and found it odd trains do not. They also dislike needing printed tickets, and another person saw how well tap tech works in London. Why can’t Merseyrail do the same now, they wondered?
Merseyrail’s tap and go plans face delays. Originally, smart cards were due in Autumn 2024, with bank card payments planned later in 2025. As it nears March 2025, changes are nowhere in sight.
The Combined Authority (CA) leads the project. A recent update suggests possible delays and the CA may push the completion date to late 2025. This extension involves securing project funding and implementing live testing.
The completion date shifted to December 31, 2025, which allows time for the next project phase. People hope the tech arrives sooner but more delays would frustrate Merseyrail users. They want their trains to match other big cities and simply desire quick and easy travel.