'Tap in system a back door fare rise' - commuter
Getty ImagesA new tap-in, tap-out system at Surrey and Sussex stations has been branded a "back door fare increase" by a commuter.
The change, introduced on Sunday, brings 11 Southern Railway stations into Transport for London's (TfL) contactless zone, including Dorking.
It means the first off-peak train is now after 09:30 GMT, rather than 08:43, and railcards cannot be used on peak services.
A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern Railway, said that for some "fares will rise but for many others they will fall".
Michael Watson, who commutes twice a week, said the move will become "an affordability issue for many" and called it "an unacceptable back door fare increase'".
He said was especially unfair given the recent decision to freeze regulated rail fares in England until March 2027.
Previously, the 08:43 from Dorking to Victoria was classed as off-peak, but this is now the 09:43 service.
Stations affected include Ashtead, Box Hill and Westhumble, Dormans, East Grinstead, Hurst Green, Leatherhead, Lingfield, Oxted, Reigate and Woldingham.
GTR said the change was a "government initiative" to align fares with TfL's contactless system, which switches peak pricing at 09:30.
The spokesperson added: "Commuters travelling with contactless before 06:30 will pay only an off-peak fare.
"Overall, these changes are not designed to increase the amount of money generated from ticket sales."
Mr Watson claimed the rollout was "botched", leaving staff at Dorking to handle complaints.
TfL said it "would not comment further" when contacted by the BBC.
The Department for Transport said: "Through contactless ticketing passengers will benefit from easier travel and the majority of single tickets will be the same price or even lower.
"We have brought ticketing in line with London's 'best price guarantee' to make it simpler for passengers, so they can be confident they have the best fare when travelling."
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