Tracsis, a leading provider of transport technology solutions, has secured a multi-year contract with Rail Settlement Plan, a division of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), to provide the core Tap Converter system for pay-as-you-go (PAYG) travel on the National Rail network. This contract marks a major step in enabling seamless smart ticketing, supporting the UK Government’s commitment to modernising rail travel and simplifying fares.
A Transformational Step for Smart Ticketing
Tracsis was selected through a competitive bid process to deliver the Tap Converter system, which will power PAYG ticketing across urban rail networks. The system will process all PAYG transactions and fare calculations, helping train operators streamline ticketing operations and enhance passenger experience.
Tracsis' technology is already in use with six Train Operating Companies (TOCs), and this contract represents a major expansion of its capabilities. The rollout of PAYG across the network will provide TOCs with an effective solution to meet growing passenger demand for flexible, digital ticketing.
Driving Innovation in Rail Ticketing
With Government backing for smarter, more flexible ticketing, PAYG is set to become a key component of the future rail system. The Tap Converter system will support multi-modal travel, enabling integration between rail, bus, and tram services, much like London's existing PAYG model.
Tracsis' solution will process data from smartcards, contactless bankcards, and mobile apps, ensuring that passengers are automatically charged the best available fare, with discounts, entitlements, and caps applied seamlessly. The system will also provide TOCs with real-time fare information and settlement records to simplify financial processing.
Unlocking Growth and Operational Efficiencies
With 1.7 billion rail passenger journeys recorded in Great Britain over the past year, Tracsis estimates that PAYG transactions could account for 10-15% of total journeys in the near future, particularly driven by commuter adoption.
In 2024, Tracsis processed 2.25 million PAYG journeys. With new deployments in Wales (contactless EMV) and Scotland (Tap&Pay) already in operation, PAYG usage is set to grow further ahead of the Tap Converter system’s full rollout in 2026.
Industry Perspectives
Chris Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Tracsis, commented:
“We are delighted to be working with the Rail Delivery Group and Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) to deliver this essential PAYG ticketing solution nationwide. This contract is a significant milestone in our smart ticketing journey, offering TOCs a robust, future-ready platform to enhance ticketing flexibility for passengers.”
Stewart Fox-Mills, Fares, Ticketing, and Retail Programme Director at GBRTT and RDG, added:
“We are committed to simplifying rail fares and making travel more flexible. The rollout of PAYG in urban areas is a high priority, and we are excited to work with Tracsis to deliver the Tap Converter system, which will serve as the technical foundation for this transformation.”
Next Steps
With a strong track record in smart ticketing, Tracsis is positioned to help TOCs drive digital transformation in fare collection. The Tap Converter system will not only improve the passenger experience but also streamline fare processing and financial settlement for operators.
Meet Us at Transport Ticketing Global
Tracsis and iBlocks will be exhibiting at Transport Ticketing Global in March 2025. Visit us at stand B62 to learn more about our PAYG solutions and how we are supporting the future of smart ticketing across the UK rail network.
