Rail users hit by change to peak time ticketing

The expansion of contactless payments on trains in south-east England has led to some services requiring more expensive peak tickets, frustrating passengers and MPs. This change, part of the Department for Transport's Project Oval, aligns ticketing time restrictions with Transport for London's contactless structure, impacting ticket prices and availability. While train operator Govia Thameslink Railway claims the changes will benefit passengers with simpler and more flexible travel options, some rail users face increased costs under the new system.