A transport user watchdog has suggested that cash payments at rail ticket stations are proportionally higher in deprived areas of the north than in deprived areas of the south of the country.
Transport Focus also claimed that almost one in three rail ticket station payments are made in cash on average countrywide.
It pointed to the Financial Conduct Authority's 2023 estimate that 1.1 million people in the UK have no bank account as a cause for concern about moves towards a cashless society and digitisation of rail ticket stations.
The watchdog suggested that the higher proportion of cash payments at rail ticket stations in deprived areas of the north may be linked to the availability of Pay As You Go ticketing.
Its recommendations to Great British Railways include retaining cash as a payment option at ticket stations, enabling high street shops to sell rail tickets, and simplifying fares.
Transport Focus's report can be viewed here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here