Contactless tap-in and tap-out ticketing will be available at more than 700 stations across the country, outside London and the South East, with 400 stations across the North set to benefit.

The Department for Transport said the investment marks first stage of plan to roll out digital ticketing across the whole rail network.

Over the next three years, the government plans to roll out contactless pay-as-you-go ticketing across the commuter networks of the Midlands and North – introducing London-style price caps and greater integration with local bus and tram networks.

Minister says this will ‘level up’ the Midlands and the North to become an economic power base to rival London and the South East.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Passengers across the North and Midlands have waited far too long to see the same fast, easy and convenient ticketing as those in London. We’re determined to put that right.

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“Today’s investment is just the first phase of our efforts to overhaul our rail network, focused on improving journeys for passengers right across the country.”