Tap and go coming to Chester railway station with Transport for Wales
CHESTER railway station is expected to have new tap and go gates installed for Transport for Wales passengers.
By Chester Standard
Tap and go coming to Chester railway station with Transport for Wales
Chester railway station is expected to receive new tap and go gates for Transport for Wales passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the station’s contactless ticketing infrastructure. The installation will allow commuters and leisure travellers to use contactless payment methods directly at the gates, streamlining entry and exit without the need for traditional paper tickets or pre-booked e-tickets.
This development aligns with Transport for Wales’ broader rollout of tap in, tap out technology, which was first introduced in November 2024 across 95 railway stations in South Wales with fares starting at just £2.60. The new gates will utilise improved technology designed to encourage valid ticket use while strengthening overall station security.
Transport officials have confirmed that the upgrades are intended to modernise the passenger experience and reduce congestion at entry points, particularly during peak travel times. Chester station, a major transport hub in Cheshire, already serves commuters and leisure travellers with connections to Liverpool, Manchester, and London, and features historic architecture alongside modern facilities such as ticket machines, a ticket office, waiting rooms, toilets, refreshment facilities, and shops.
The addition of tap and go gates will complement these existing amenities and further enhance the station’s role as a key gateway for regional travel. Chester station currently operates two car parks: Chester East with 113 spaces, including six accessible spaces, and Chester West with 123 spaces, also with six accessible spaces.
A RailLink bus service runs directly outside the station to Chester city centre, operating Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 19:00. The tap and go system will integrate seamlessly with these transport links, offering passengers a more flexible and efficient way to access the station and its surrounding services.
Unlike some digital payment methods for train travel in North Wales that have been criticised for not offering concessionary fares, the new system aims to provide a more inclusive option for all passenger groups. The rollout of tap and go technology in South Wales has already demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing ticket barriers and improving passenger flow.
With fares starting at £2.60, the system offers an affordable alternative for short-distance travel, encouraging more people to use public transport. The expansion to Chester station represents a natural extension of this initiative, bringing the benefits of contactless ticketing to a key Cheshire location.
Passengers will simply tap their contactless card or device at the gate, wait for the orange light to confirm successful entry, and proceed without waiting for traditional ticket barriers to close. Transport for Wales has been actively upgrading station facilities across its network to support modern travel needs.
The new gates at Chester will be part of a wider effort to improve accessibility, security, and efficiency at railway stations. By encouraging valid ticket use and strengthening security, the system aims to create a safer and more reliable environment for all travellers.
The upgrade also reflects the growing demand for digital payment solutions in public transport, as passengers increasingly seek convenient and hassle-free ways to travel. Chester station’s strategic location and extensive connections make it a vital link in the regional transport network.
The addition of tap and go gates will further enhance its appeal to both daily commuters and occasional travellers, offering a more streamlined experience from arrival to departure. As Transport for Wales continues to expand its contactless ticketing system, Chester station will stand as a key example of how modern technology can transform the passenger journey.
The expected installation of these gates signals a positive step forward for the station and its users, promising a more efficient and accessible travel experience in the coming months.