Henry Smith MP has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Transport that Oyster and contactless payments will be accepted at Gatwick Airport station from January 2016.

Henry said;

“I’m pleased that as a result of the Government working with Transport for London and Govia Thameslink Railway; Crawley commuters using Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services will benefit.

“I previously raised this via a Written Question to the Rail Minister and am pleased that rail users in Crawley will see reduced fares via these payment methods on some routes.

“Recently I visited the new traincare facility based at Three Bridges, and this announcement shows a further benefit for Crawley passengers.”

From January 2016, Oyster and contactless ‘pay as you go’ payment will be accepted at Gatwick Airport, Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham stations.

This will mean more convenience and flexibility for commuters and visitors alike, with improved value for money in many cases, and reduced crowding at stations. It will also allow seamless onward connections to London’s transport network and National Rail services.

From the New Year, many customers will be able to benefit from cheaper fares. The Department for Transport have stated that, a single journey paper peak-time ticket costs £15.40 from London Terminals to Gatwick Airport (excluding Gatwick Express). With pay as you go, a rush hour trip will cost £14.00, and £8.00 off-peak.