Contactless Bank Card Payments Set to Launch on Merseyrail

Merseyrail Introduces Contactless Tap-and-Go Payments Across All Stations

From later this month, Merseyrail passengers will be able to "tap-and-go" using bank cards, smartphones, and smartwatches at every station.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram described the launch of the new "smart ticketing" system on 25 February as a “huge investment” in the region’s rail network.

The move builds on last year’s introduction of the MetroCard, which allowed passengers to link a card to their bank account and tap in and out without purchasing a paper ticket.

Although the rollout of bank card and digital wallet payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, has faced criticism for being slow, Rotheram explained that the “back office” technology is complex and costly.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, he said the system will automatically calculate the cheapest fare for all journeys made in a day, similar to arrangements in London and Greater Manchester.

“This means passengers no longer need to queue for tickets or worry about buying them in advance,” he added.

Passengers should be aware of a few key points when the new system launches:

• Use the new smart ticketing gates or platform validators at stations.

• Where gates are not installed, validators will still be available.

• Always use the same card or device for every tap during a journey. This ensures fares are calculated correctly and daily or weekly caps are applied, preventing overpayment.

The MetroCard system proved popular in its first month, with more than 53,000 journeys recorded in August 2025.