Cash payments could be scrapped from Metro within five years as pandemic accelerates contactless payments

Bosses for the network have revealed a deal allowing commuters to tap in and out of stations using their mobile phone could be signed next week.

It is hoped smart tickets will start their rollout on phones from next year, with the full range of offers, including park and ride permits, available by 2025.

But they have also set a target of having ‘removed cash as a payment mechanism on Metro’ by then as well, leaving travellers to rely on bankcards or the technology in their pockets.

The move to upgrade systems across the network has been welcomed by regional leaders.

Speaking at a meeting of the North East Joint Transport Committee’s Tyne and Wear Sub Committee, Newcastle councillor Joyce McCarty said: “I’m pleased to see we’re going to look at pay as you go on phones.

“Our technology was way ahead a few years ago and then we’re fallen back over the last few years.

“I think this is even more important when we don’t want staff handling cash which could carry [coronavirus] infections.”

According to Huw Lewis, customer services director at Metro operator Nexus, most travellers already use contactless payments to buy their tickets, rather than coins or notes.

But it is hoped next week a deal will be signed to begin the rollout of tickets on mobile phones, with the ability to tap in and out of stations with just a bankcard, as is available on the London Underground, the long term aim of transport chiefs.

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