MP labels regional train ticketing system “embarrassing”

A Member of Parliament has stated that the absence of a digital ticketing system for a city region’s rail services constitutes an “embarrassment” for the area. Commuters acquiring Merseyrail tickets via the internet are required to physically print them at home or at a station’s ticket machine. Several patrons who bought tickets online at full price have voiced grievances after being halted and penalized under regulations mandating the presentation of a physical ticket, even when proof of purchase is available. Anneliese Midgley, the Labour Member of Parliament representing Knowsley, brought this matter to the attention of transport secretary Louise Haigh during a parliamentary session on Thursday. Ms Midgley commented: “BBC Radio Merseyside has featured many stories about passengers being fined for buying train tickets in good faith only to find out they’re the wrong ones.” She added: “Some of my constituents in Knowsley find themselves being fined or denied travel by Mersey Travel for buying tickets legitimately online.” Ms Haigh informed the House that the government was collaborating with regional mayors and mentioned that she had requested the Office for Rail and Road to examine rail operators’ “revenue protection practises”. In an interview with BBC Radio Merseyside, Ms Midgley asserted that Merseyrail’s ticketing system required modernization, stating it needed to be brought “into the 21st Century.” She added: “I’ve had things coming through my postbag and into my inbox since I have been elected in July.” Ms Midgley further stated: “It can be a real headache, a stress and an unnecessary expense some of the time as well.” Ms Midgley indicated that the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is scheduled to implement tap-and-go technology, enabling passengers to use their debit cards at ticket barriers, in the coming year. However, she described the inability of passengers to utilize online-purchased tickets without a physical printout as “embarrassing and absolutely wild”. Alex Lennon, a 50-year-old businessman residing in Sefton, was among those affected by these regulations. He was intercepted by Merseyrail personnel at Liverpool Central Station in January this year while en route to London, having commenced his journey at Waterloo station in Sefton. Mr Lennon declined to provide his personal information to the staff, resulting in the summoning of an officer from British Transport Police (BTP). He underwent arrest and detention for 90 minutes before being released to continue his travel. Compounding the situation, BTP subsequently dispatched a letter to him implying potential prosecution for common assault, notwithstanding video evidence indicating no physical altercation. Upon inquiry by the BBC, the force verified that the notice was erroneous and that Mr Lennon ought to have received correspondence clarifying that he was not under investigation for assault – a confirmation he stated had not been provided in writing 10 months later. Mr Lennon commented: “I fully support what our MP is doing, it’s long overdue.” He added: “I travel round the country a lot and I talk to a lot of people particularly down south and none of them can believe our ticketing system and that people are being prosecuted for this.” A spokesperson for the combined authority stated: “We’re working with Merseyrail towards introducing a more simplified smart ticketing system to meet public demand and to address passengers’ current frustrations with online ticketing.” Merseyrail was approached for a statement.