WORK is underway to allow c2c rail customers to travel to tap in and travel to and from London using contactless bank cards.

Bosses at the rail firm, which runs the London Fenchurch to Shoeburyness lines, say they are working with the Department of Transport to extend contactless pay-as-you-go rail ticketing beyond the capital.

The move forms part of a £68 million Government project which will see 233 stations across the south of England upgraded to accept contactless payments.

READ MORE

On Wednesday, Southend West MP Anna Firth met with c2c’s managing director Rob Mullen at Chalkwell Station to discuss the plans.

Mr mullen said: “We are set to be in the first tranche of rail firms that will see contactless extended with early work to scope out the infrastructure required at stations already underway.

“It is great to see support from our local stakeholders regarding the extension of contactless to the c2c route; we know this is something our customers want so their lobbying for realisation of this government-led project is very welcome.”

Chalkwell station is also set for a new lift to low immobile and disabled customers better access to the station.

The upgrade project is part of the government’s Access for All scheme which is designed to reduce the barriers to rail travel for passengers with additional needs.

Work on the design specifics of the lift is expected to commence in November this year with construction set to begin in May of next year.

Anna Firth said: “Chalkwell Station is a key asset to Southend West and has been one of my main priorities for improvement since I was elected. Chalkwell is the only station on the c2c line that is not wheelchair accessible, and I want to change this.

“I look forward to working with c2c to continue to make our stations in Southend West the best they can be.”

Mr Mullen added: “We’re really pleased to see the Access for All project at Chalkwell moving ahead. We know that this will have a huge impact on local residents with additional needs who rely on our services. We’re looking forward to work at the station starting soon.”