The modern rail industry is going further hi-tech.
Rail passengers may soon be charged for journeys by fingerprint or iris scans.
The Rail Delivery Group, the organisation representing train operators and Network Rail, claims biometric technology would enable fares to be automatically charged.
The use of digital signalling technology will also allow trains to operate closer together, cutting delay, according to the RDG.
Smartphones' Bluetooth signals to open station barriers will be tried out on Chiltern Railways’ route between London Marylebone and Oxford Parkway in the foreseeable future.
