By the end of 2025, passengers at Hitchin will be able to tap-in using their card at the start of their journey, and tap out at the end, and be guaranteed the best value ticket available on the day.

This change was made possible by £20m of government funding put towards modernising the rail network said a statement from Strathern's office.

It will provide tap in, tap out services for 96 stations in 2025, with Hitchin station making the cut following representations from Strathern in Westminster.

This key campaign win comes as part of Strathern's work to improve our local public transport. He has met with the Rail Minister, Thameslink's CEO and Network Rail in recent months to share and push for key local rail priorities, including action on service reliability and better value fares.

Tap-in, tap-out ticketing is the latest step of the Government's significant plans to reform the railways, with public ownership of all lines to come in the next few years, alongside automatic delay repay and work to reduce fares.

Alistair Strathern MP said: "It is fantastic news that traveling from Hitchin will be made easier. I'm thrilled to see the Government already making major upgrades to our rail network".

"As a rural, commuter town, with rail links so vital for countless families and our local economy, this change should reduce delays and save passengers money".

"I will be continuing to push Thameslink, alongside the Government, to make more progress on acting on Hitchin commuters priorities before our line goes into much-needed public ownership. "

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