RDG planning 'Barcode 2.0' ticketing with cross-London support (+ ITSO on mobile)

[CyrusWuff]

Getting TfL to accept Single and Return tickets issued on Smartcards, as opposed to just Travelcards and Seasons, would be helpful.

 

[Tester]

Getting TfL to accept Single and Return tickets issued on Smartcards, as opposed to just Travelcards and Seasons, would be helpful.

Surely in the absence of progress on railcards on contactless, that is what needs to happen?

 

[saismee]

Something that has popped into my mind is the concept of an ITSO plusbus ticket. Most bus operators are slowly switching to contactless on buses, so why not integrate the ticketing a little better? Unless the goal is national contactless, but I highly doubt we will see that any time soon.

 

[MrJeeves]

Something that has popped into my mind is the concept of an ITSO plusbus ticket.

The same idea popped into Go-Ahead's mind just over a decade ago

They will retail PlusBus tickets onto smartcards for use on Metrobus and Brighton & Hove buses, including PlusBus seasons, and their PAYG smartcard product (keyGo) will also let you tap onto their buses and pay the single fare while also capping up to the PlusBus (if you've travelled by rail) or regional cap (if you haven't) too.

 

[saismee]

The same idea popped into Go-Ahead's mind just over a decade ago

They will retail PlusBus tickets onto smartcards for use on Metrobus and Brighton & Hove buses, including PlusBus seasons, and their PAYG smartcard product (keyGo) will also let you tap onto their buses and pay the single fare while also capping up to the PlusBus (if you've travelled by rail) or regional cap (if you haven't) too.

This should absolutely be extended further.

 

[Edvid]

TfL have issued a preliminary notice on Find a Tender with regard to barcode ticketing on their estate. Interestingly it's not just gateline validation at joint LU/NR stations and cross-London interchanges that's under consideration; they also want to investigate the feasibility of gateline validation at all Elizabeth line / LO / LU stations, plus retailing of TfL-issue PRT-like stock to replace CCST as a "ticket of last resort". Buses being out of scope automatically rules Travelcards out though.

Given the timing of this notice they must have waited until after they were authorised to enter into the Proteus Contract with Indra.

Barcode Ticketing in London - Find a Tender

www.find-tender.service.gov.uk

Anticipated Scope and Requirements

Full interoperability with national rail barcode ticketing standards (RDG/RSP).

Ability to design, deliver, operate and maintain an integrated solution.

To collaborate with the primary System Integrator, responsible for TfL's revenue collection system. The supplier will need to provide equipment to the primary System Integrator, who will carry out front-line installation and maintenance.

Fixed readers to integrate with existing gates at TfL stations.

To deliver the solution and services at scale in London.

To deliver the solution in line with TfL and RDG security standards.

Provide L2 and L3 support to the barcode solution (L1 will be the responsibility of the primary System Integrator).

TfL to own or have licence rights in perpetuity for the IPR created as part of the solution deployed.

Out of Scope

At this time, installation of barcode acceptance equipment and retailing of barcode tickets for buses in London is not in scope.

Contract dates (estimated)

June 2027 to January 2033

Possible extensions up to January 2038

10 years, 7 months.

 

[Vexed]

I suppose they're looking to eliminate CCST on cost reasons like the mainline. As a "ticket of last resort" I do wonder if a paper-based since use "Oyster" (RFID) ticket like the Glasgow Subway tickets would be a viable alternative.

Fitting PRT/eTicket scanners to all LU stations would be good for the future of the single-journey London Underground & DLR tickets, not quite sure what to call them but for example "London Undergound Zone 1-2" tickets like this https://www.brfares.com/!fares?orig=0790&dest=SAC&period=20260113

 

[Edvid]

RDG have issued a preliminary notice for the retail side of ITSO on Mobile, or Mobile Smart Ticketing as they're now calling it.

The rail industry is progressing toward digital-first ticketing to reduce cost of sale, improve customer experience, and enable flexible products such as season tickets, PAYG and a roadmap toward single and return tickets.

The Mobile Smart Ticketing (MST) initiative (migrating physical ITSO media to a digital format) aims to enable secure, standards-based ticket fulfilment to mobile devices. Initial launch will centre on a pilot for Season tickets, followed by PAYG, and then expansion into singles and returns.

In addition, current fulfilment methods for rail (e.g. barcode, physical smartcard, paper) are isolated today, with retailers and integrators required to support multiple fulfilment technologies, each with distinct standards and operational overhead.

Mobile Smart Ticketing offers the potential for the following:

• Elimination of the downsides of current plastic ITSO cards which have to be obtained and updated prior to travel;

• Customers will no longer have to use a separate app to view journey history and product validity;

• Improved gate line speeds - customers will benefit from features such as NFC reader functionality, removing the need to unlock devices or open apps to pass through gates;

• Over-the-air cancellations will also deliver enhanced fraud protection to the industry.

A national rail pilot is targeted for delivery by mid-end 2027, focusing on:

• Limited geography and/or Train Operating Company (TOC) deployment;

• Season ticket products as initial use case to prove the technology and proposition;

• Expansion path to PAYG.

Beyond the pilot, RDG in collaboration with industry partners (e.g., FTR Programme, TOCs, etc) will develop a scalable roadmap to deliver singles and returns.

 

[Wallsendmag]

This should have been released last Wednesday

 

[kkong]

A regional pilot for season tickets only, promised to be operational ~18 months from now.

At least nobody can accuse the rail industry of adopting "new technology" at breakneck speed.

Perhaps the Ministry of Defence could be enlisted to assist with the programme?

 

[OscarH]

At least nobody can accuse the rail industry of adopting "new technology" at breakneck speed

It's alright, for those 18 months (minimum) we'll continue to function and innovate with barcodes that are perfectly sufficient for all this that don't require such a time and money investment

 

[saismee]

It's alright, for those 18 months (minimum) we'll continue to function and innovate with barcodes that are perfectly sufficient for all this that don't require such a time and money investment

Maybe the mistake was barcodes at all rather than going straight to ITSO on mobile devices?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Maybe the mistake was barcodes at all rather than going straight to ITSO on mobile devices?

Barcodes can be printed. Print at home is important for older generations.

Also, most smartphones didn't have NFC when these things were first conceived. The issue is perhaps just how glacially slowly the railway moves - gig tickets are already available as NFC Apple/Google Wallet passes and have been for something like 10 years now.

 

[takno]

Maybe the mistake was barcodes at all rather than going straight to ITSO on mobile devices?

Barcodes can be printed, easily shown on other devices when the battery is flat, and can be used on devices which don't support the precious app. They also allow a single person in a group to easily look after all the tickets.

Enabling ITSO is a valuable additional channel, but doesn't do anything at all to remove the need for barcodes.

 

[saismee]

Barcodes can be printed. Print at home is important for older generations.

I also realise that they're supposed to replace CCST which ITSO certainly cannot do. I do think ITSO on mobile phones will drastically speed up gatelines if it is made the norm, as half of the slowdowns come from people misusing Aztec tickets.

 

[OscarH]

I also realise that they're supposed to replace CCST which ITSO certainly cannot do. I do think ITSO on mobile phones will drastically speed up gatelines if it is made the norm, as half of the slowdowns come from people misusing Aztec tickets.

In principle maybe, but in reality? It's usually buggy as hell trying to get the phones on the right app and doing the right thing. Mine is hit and miss with one NFC app (Google Pay)

 

[redreni]

I also realise that they're supposed to replace CCST which ITSO certainly cannot do. I do think ITSO on mobile phones will drastically speed up gatelines if it is made the norm, as half of the slowdowns come from people misusing Aztec tickets.

When it comes to day Travelcards, ITSO is currently the only alternative to a CCST.

 

[Bletchleyite]

In principle maybe, but in reality? It's usually buggy as hell trying to get the phones on the right app and doing the right thing. Mine is hit and miss with one NFC app (Google Pay)

I don't know about Android, but on Apple you just double tap the power button and pick the "card" (ticket) you want to use, then tap the reader. It's no harder than doing the same to pop up an e-ticket and scan it, but quicker because it scans instantly first time.

 

[Adam Williams]

I also realise that they're supposed to replace CCST which ITSO certainly cannot do. I do think ITSO on mobile phones will drastically speed up gatelines if it is made the norm, as half of the slowdowns come from people misusing Aztec tickets.

People are just generally incompetent, they will try and tap the phone on the barcode scanning glass if given the opportunity. I've seen people hold barcodes onto the smartcard reader and then act surprised when nothing happens. If a gate supports contactless PAYG and ITSO at the same time, people will select the wrong card in their wallet (or spend time faffing around selecting it).

 

[_toommm_]

I don't know about Android, but on Apple you just double tap the power button and pick the "card" (ticket) you want to use, then tap the reader. It's no harder than doing the same to pop up an e-ticket and scan it, but quicker because it scans instantly first time.

On most Android phones you can set shortcuts with various combinations of presses of the power button. On my Samsung S24 Ultra, and my Galaxy Watch Ultra, I have double press of the power button to open Google Wallet (not that you need to open it on Android phones to pay when your phone is unlocked).

 

[James H]

People are just generally incompetent, they will try and tap the phone on the barcode scanning glass if given the opportunity. I've seen people hold barcodes onto the smartcard reader and then act surprised when nothing happens. If a gate supports contactless PAYG and ITSO at the same time, people will select the wrong card in their wallet (or spend time faffing around selecting it).

Twice in the last week I've seen people try to tap off on a bus by showing the scanner the image of a card on their phone screen, rather than the NFC reader on the back of the phone.

 

[saismee]

When it comes to day Travelcards, ITSO is currently the only alternative to a CCST.

But cannot replace it entirely as it would require every passenger to have a phone or ITSO card.

People are just generally incompetent, they will try and tap the phone on the barcode scanning glass if given the opportunity. I've seen people hold barcodes onto the smartcard reader and then act surprised when nothing happens. If a gate supports contactless PAYG and ITSO at the same time, people will select the wrong card in their wallet (or spend time faffing around selecting it).

As gateline staff, believe me I've seen it all. The worst is the abusive incompetent ones who get angry that "your machines are broken" when they don't have enough spatial awareness to line a up an Aztec code on the glass.

The worst is when they try the NFC reader but it doesn't work, then try the glass scanner, but now their card has appeared on their screen, so they swipe it away and repeat the exact same thing!!! Maybe I shouldn't complain about job security

 

[Adam Williams]

As gateline staff, believe me I've seen it all.

Oh, I bet! I do wonder how some of them get out of bed in the morning...

But, then again, I've gotten myself trapped in a Cubic gate which shut on me before now - so I'm not sure I'm really in much of a position to judge

 

[saismee]

Oh, I bet! I do wonder how some of them get out of bed in the morning...

Gateline staff or the passengers?

But, then again, I've gotten myself trapped in a Cubic gate which shut on me before now

Ironically I've done this  after learning how the sensors work. And I've held up a gate while struggling to scan my PRIV E-ticket... I still blame the scanner at King's Lynn for that.

 

[jon0844]

People are just generally incompetent, they will try and tap the phone on the barcode scanning glass if given the opportunity. I've seen people hold barcodes onto the smartcard reader and then act surprised when nothing happens. If a gate supports contactless PAYG and ITSO at the same time, people will select the wrong card in their wallet (or spend time faffing around selecting it).

At least once they figure it out, they'll likely be okay from then on. It's quicker to scan a barcode now than put in a physical ticket (especially if people are slow to find the ticket slot and retrieve the ticket after) so when you see commuters using them the gates usually run very smoothly.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Apr 2026 ==

Gateline staff or the passengers?

Ironically I've done this  after learning how the sensors work. And I've held up a gate while struggling to scan my PRIV E-ticket... I still blame the scanner at King's Lynn for that.

A problem is when someone gets a ticket either as, say, a screenshot or a PDF. They unlock the phone, show the barcode then move the phone which rotates in such a way that the image flips and the code may not now be in view. You tip up the phone and try and adjust and it rotates again, so you now have to put it in portrait mode and carefully tip it downwards and not to the side. Everyone around you thinks you're an idiot.

And, yes, when I say 'someone' and 'they', I mean me. Printing a PDF is always a good idea!

 

[takno]

At least once they figure it out, they'll likely be okay from then on. It's quicker to scan a barcode now than put in a physical ticket (especially if people are slow to find the ticket slot and retrieve the ticket after) so when you see commuters using them the gates usually run very smoothly.

That's optimistic. I know fine well how the gates work, but I still end up tapping my barcode, or occasionally paper ticket, on the NFC pad. I think going through the gate I'm already thinking about my onward journey, which is usually contactless.

 

[Haywain]

A problem is when someone gets a ticket either as, say, a screenshot or a PDF. They unlock the phone, show the barcode then move the phone which rotates in such a way that the image flips and the code may not now be in view. You tip up the phone and try and adjust and it rotates again, so you now have to put it in portrait mode and carefully tip it downwards and not to the side.

Which is why it is far easier to have the ticket in a Wallet app (Google Wallet, Apple Wallet, and probably Samsung Wallet).

 

[takno]

Which is why it is far easier to have the ticket in a Wallet app (Google Wallet, Apple Wallet, and probably Samsung Wallet).

I've got auto-rotate disabled on my phone, but in general if it's possible to add the ticket to my wallet without having to install an app I will. LNER's website is particularly handy since I can just download to Google wallet on the big computer while I'm doing the booking, and it's there ready on the phone.

Possibly a stupid question, but can you add NFC-based travel tickets to wallet apps?

 

[Adam Williams]

Possibly a stupid question, but can you add NFC-based travel tickets to wallet apps?

I believe Google support this as part of their "Google Wallet for Transit" offering. So, yes, if you're someone like DfT, you can make this work and it'll emulate something like ITSO.

If you're just a random developer, no. It's not nearly as accessible as the barcode-based passes are.

 

[takno]

I believe Google support this as part of their "Google Wallet for Transit" offering. So, yes, if you're someone like DfT, you can make this work and it'll emulate something like ITSO.

If you're just a random developer, no. It's not nearly as accessible as the barcode-based passes are.

Nice. Seems like something they could do if everybody wasn't so focused on getting you to install their app so that they will be your default for ticket purchases. Tbh if there was a genuinely effective national ITSO card I'd probably just stick that in my phone case and turn the built-in NFC off.