Bringing Contactless EMV to UK Rail: Littlepay Powers Merseyrail’s New Open-Loop System

Merseyrail is taking a major step forward in modernising fare payments, introducing contactless EMV payments as part of a new Account Based Ticketing (ABT) platform. Littlepay has been selected as the payment service provider for the project, marking its first deployment in UK rail and a significant milestone in the expansion of open-loop payments across the national rail network.

Delivered in partnership with UK-based ABT specialist Tracsis (formerly iBlocks), the project introduces a more flexible, transparent, and passenger-focussed payment experience to one of the country’s busiest regional rail networks.

Setting a new benchmark for UK rail payments

Merseyrail supports around 36 million passenger journeys annually across 68 stations, including eight gated stations. As part of the network’s transition to modern fare collection, the project includes the installation of 183 new Vix platform validators and upgrades to station gates.

This deployment represents Littlepay’s first use on UK heavy rail infrastructure. It also marks the first collaboration between Littlepay and Tracsis, combining proven, scalable payment processing with a mature ABT engine designed for multimodal transport environments.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring our technology to UK rail. This project with Merseyrail and Tracsis marks a pivotal step forward for the UK’s rail modernisation, proving that scalable open-loop payments can work seamlessly in a heavy rail environment. It’s an exciting milestone for both Littlepay and the UK passenger experience.”

said Sarah McLaughlin.

A unified, modern ticketing experience

The Tracsis ABT platform brings together ITSO, QR, and contactless EMV ticketing into a single back office, giving Merseyrail greater flexibility in fare policy and product management. Littlepay provides the payments backbone, securely processing aggregated contactless transactions through acquiring partners Elavon and American Express.

To support revenue protection and customer transparency, Vix will integrate with the wider solution so inspectors can verify contactless EMV transactions in real time. Meanwhile, Imaginet will deliver supporting digital services, helping passengers manage their travel through intuitive web and app-based portals.

Simpler for passengers. Smarter for operators.

With contactless EMV in place, passengers no longer need to pre-purchase tickets or load value onto proprietary media. They simply tap in and out with their bank card or mobile wallet, with fares calculated automatically in the back office.

For Merseyrail, the benefits go beyond convenience. The new system delivers richer operational insight and greater flexibility in fare management, supporting data-led service planning and long-term network modernisation.

Expanding Littlepay’s rail footprint

The Merseyrail programme builds on Littlepay’s first rail deployment in California with the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), further strengthening its capability in complex rail environments. Entering the UK rail market marks a significant milestone in the company’s broader vision to deliver interoperable transit payments across modes and regions.

“As UK rail moves toward more locally controlled and integrated mobility models, having a scalable, interoperable payments layer becomes critical. We’re proud to support that transition.”

said Sarah McLaughlin