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Southeastern launches Oyster Card-style pass called The Kay

Kent commuters will today be able to use a new paperless ticket alternative.

The new smart card is called the Key and marks Southeastern's first move towards "paperless commuting".

Available initially for weekly, monthly or annual season tickets, the system differs from the familiar Oyster card used across Transport for London's network.

The new Southeastern 'key' ticket
The new Southeastern 'key' ticket

Unlike Oyster, the Key will not hold funds or credit. Instead, it will store up to five tickets at any one time – each must be bought and loaded separately.

A card with a stored ticket will allow commuters to tap through barriers rather than feed a paper ticket through a machine.

The train company says passengers will be able to check the status of their tickets and journey history in an online account or at any ticket office.

Last month Southeastern managing director David Statham said: "From 5 December, our passengers will be able to unlock the benefits of smart, paperless ticketing and speedy, tap-and-go travel. The Key will be easier, quicker, sturdier and more secure."

Passengers will be able to buy tickets online or from Southeastern ticket vending machines outside London.

A Southeastern train. Stock image.
A Southeastern train. Stock image.

Tickets are automatically loaded onto The Key by tapping it onto a smart card reader at a station, either on the automatic ticket barriers or on the ticket machine.

Online tickets can be collected two hours after they are bought, while tickets bought from machines will be loaded onto the card immediately.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: "This new smart card is great news for season ticket holders on Southeastern who will no longer have to rely on paper tickets. Monday morning queues to buy tickets before you board will also be a thing of the past.

"With technology like this new card we are finally bringing rail travel into the 21century."

For more information, visit the Southeastern website.

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