Alistair Strathern MP welcomes December arrival of contactless ticketing at Hitchin

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

MONDAY 17^th NOVEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Alistair Strathern, Member of Parliament for Hitchin, has today welcomed the news that contactless ticketing at Hitchin train station will be operational from December 14^th.

Having originally been missed off the list for contactless roll out, Strathern was glad to be able to secure a place for Hitchin station on the upgrade programme after being elected. With works now nearing completion, from 14^th December, train travellers in Hertfordshire will be able to use tap-in and tap-out ticketing for the first time and be guaranteed the best value ticket available on the day.

The new ticketing will be rolled out in time for Christmas and will turn key commuter lines into fully contactless journeys. Train travel will be simpler, more accessible, and more flexible for local residents.

All across the country stations like Hitchin will receive contactless ticketing upgrades thanks to a £20m investment from the Government. For example, the upgrade for Hitchin station will coincide with contactless ticketing being rolled out at a wider total of 50 stations across the south-east, including London Stansted Airport. This means all London airports will be accessible to residents using contactless for the first time.

Representing many train commuters in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, Strathern has campaigned for rail capacity improvements since he became an MP. This has included restarting consideration of eastern access at Hitchin station, championing expanding step-free access to more stations and supporting the option of contactless ticketing. Strathern will be campaigning for Arlesey station to join Hitchin with contactless ticketing.

Alistair Strathern, Member of Parliament for Hitchin, said:

“I know how important fast, reliable and affordable rail travel is for the countless commuters in our communities.

“Contactless, just like in London with the tube, offers a fast, efficient and cheap way to pay, and is long overdue for Hitchin.

“I am working hard alongside my colleagues to build on this, ensuring better journeys every time by bringing our railways up to standard and ending the decades of neglect we’ve seen up until now.

“With Thameslink coming back into national ownership next year, and conversations underway to improve access at our stations, there is plenty more to do to deliver the rail services our community deserves.”

Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, said:

“Rail ticketing is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through the expansion of tap in tap out technology, and eventually through GBR, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible – and ensuring passengers can get the best fares.”

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re delivering straightforward, stress-free train travel across the south-east, supporting passengers and boosting economic growth, jobs and homes.”

Notes for Editors

For more detailed information on national plans visit https://dft.gov.uk/

Passengers can still purchase tickets online or at the station. Contactless offers a new, fast way to pay.