A TRAIN operator says the iconic, orange ‘magstripe’ ticket could be something of a museum exhibit within as little as five years.

Northern says its customers’ ever-growing preference for digital tickets and the introduction of actual 'paper' tickets has seen them use 2.3 million fewer ‘magstripes’ in the last 12 months.

Less than 20 per cent of journeys on Northern services in 2023-24 were made using a ‘magstripe’, with the number in-use falling by 12 per cent compared to 2022-23, from 20.3 million to 18 million.

During the same period, the number of people using digital tickets on Northern services grew by almost 19 per cent, from 54.8 million to 65.2 million.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “Whilst ‘magstripes’ might generate a sense of nostalgia, it’s important to remember that because they’re made from more than one material, they’re less recyclable and could ultimately end up in landfill - whereas paper tickets can be easily recycled."

The spokesperson added:“At the current rate of decline and with an ever-greater focus on digital and paper alternatives, 'magstripes' are definitely nearing the end of the line. They could be something of a museum exhibit within five years.”