A huge change is coming within weeks for train passengers using dozens of railway stations in the UK. Travellers bound for London airports are set to enjoy far more convenient journeys following a major government announcement. From December 14, contactless payment systems will be rolled out to Stansted Airport and Southend Airport train stations, bringing them in line with other hubs, such as Gatwick, that already offer this service.

The transformation means passengers travelling to and from these airports can forget about purchasing tickets in advance and simply tap their bank card, mobile phone, or Oyster card when entering and exiting. The development forms part of a broader initiative across the south-east, with 50 railway stations simultaneously receiving the same upgrade.

This will include stations operated by publicly owned rail firms, such as Great Anglia and South Western Railway, covering locations like Beaulieu Park and Chelmsford. A complete list of these is provided further below.

In light of the update, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy 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 shortly 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.”

Officials say the changes are being made possible through £18.7 million in funding from the UK Government and support from Transport for London. The technology has already been implemented at 53 more stations in the south-east, with plans to expand to additional stations next year.

Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London (TfL), commented to say: “For more than 10 years, the popularity of convenient travel via pay-as-you-go with contactless has grown and become increasingly popular across London and the surrounding areas.

“We are delighted to be extending pay-as-you-go with contactless to a further 50 stations from 14 December, including Stansted Airport, making it easier for those arriving at the airport to travel to London and experience all the city has to offer.”

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, added: “The introduction of contactless travel on the Stansted Express is great news for passengers and will make rail travel between Stansted and London even more simple and convenient.

“London Stansted is the third largest airport in the London system and the second biggest gateway to the capital for European visitors. So, as a major enabler of inbound tourism as well as the airport of choice for millions of people in London, more seamless rail travel between the airport and London Liverpool Street will significantly improve our passengers’ experience and make choosing the train even more attractive.”

Full list of stations introducing pay-as-you-go

According to the Government, 50 additional stations will adopt contactless pay-as-you-go methods from December 14. These include the following:

1. Sawbridgeworth
2. Southend Airport
3. Southend Victoria
4. Stansted Airport
5. Stansted Mountfitchet
6. Stevenage
7. Stoke Mandeville
8. Watton-at-Stone
9. Welwyn North
10. Wendover
11. Wickford
12. Witham
13. Woldingham
14. Ashtead
15. Aylesbury
16. Aylesbury Vale Parkway
17. Baldock
18. Beaulieu Park
19. Billericay
20. Bishop’s Stortford
21. Box Hill & Westhumble
22. Chelmsford
23. Dorking (Main)
24. Dormans
25. East Grinstead
26. Great Missenden
27. Harlington
28. Harlow Mill
29. Harlow Town
30. Hatfield Peverel
31. Hitchin
32. Hockley
33. Hurst Green
34. Ingatestone
35. Knebworth
36. Leagrave
37. Leatherhead
38. Letchworth Garden City
39. Lingfield
40. Little Kimble
41. Luton
42. Monks Risborough
43. Oxted
44. Princes Risborough
45. Prittlewell
46. Rayleigh
47. Reigate
48. Rochford
49. Roydon
50. Saunderton

For more information, head to the Government’s website here.