A TRAIN company which operates in Reading has launched a new ticketing system which it says will take the hassle out of buying a train ticket.

South Western Railway (SWR) has launched the new system "Tap2Go" which means that, once registered, customers will no longer need to buy a ticket before their journey.

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How does it work?

Instead SWR will work out the best daily fare when a customer touches in and out with their Tap2Go enabled smartcard.

The smartcard will be linked to the customer’s credit or debit card and payment is taken from the Tap2Go account the day after they travel.

Tap2Go customers can choose to have credit in their account by topping it up or have their credit or debit card charged directly.

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Where can in be used?

At the moment, Tap2Go can only be used on SWR services outside of London.

A South Western Railway spokesperson explained: "A customer using Tap2Go cannot start or end their journey inside the London Travelcard zone.

"So for example on our Reading services towards London Tap2Go would only be valid up to Ashford and not beyond."

What can I use it for?

The Tap2Go smartcard can also let customers store other tickets such as season tickets, which means that journeys between the origin and destination of the season tickets will not be charged.

Peter Williams, South Western Railway’s Commercial Director, said: “Our Tap2Go smartcard removes the need for customers to buy a ticket before their journey, making their journey with us a whole lot easier.

“With the ability to add season tickets to their card, everything the customer needs for their journey will be all in one place.

"Plus, by calculating the best daily fare, Tap2Go will ensure value for money for our customers.”

To sign up for Tap2Go customers will need to set-up an account at southwesternrailway.com and then email the Tap2Go team at smartcards@swrailway.com and Tap2Go will be added to their account.

Once customers have signed up a new smartcard will be sent out within five working days of the order.

New features will be added later this year, which will include being able to add Tap2Go to an existing Touch smartcard.