London Underground-style ‘smart’ ticket gates are being trialled at Huddersfield railway station.

The station is the third in West Yorkshire to test the new barriers which can read concessionary cards and the MCard, which can be used on buses and trains throughout the county.

Passengers will be able to touch in and out with their smartcard in a scheme designed to save time and cut fare dodging.

The barriers have been installed using a £153,000 grant from the government Department for Transport.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee chair James Lewis said: “We have had lots of positive feedback about the smartcards gates already in use at Bradford and Leeds.

“I’m pleased to say we are now close to making the quick and convenient, touch-in touch-out facility available to any of the 2.5m passengers who use Huddersfield Station every year who have an MCard.

“The smart ticket gates at Huddersfield station will be the latest important step in the roll-out of the MCard scheme across West Yorkshire which will also see pay-as-you-go cards and online purchasing in the future.”

An M Card

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “I am delighted that smart ticketing is being further rolled out in Yorkshire, as part of our ambitious rail modernisation programme to support our plan to build a stronger economy and fairer society.

“Smartcards have revolutionised travel by offering greater flexibility and ease of use for passengers. Harnessing the latest technology to offer the best possible passenger experience is vital to making our railways fit for the 21st century.”

First TransPennine Express services use the station and a spokesman said: “We are working in partnership with industry colleagues to deliver a scheme which will make accessing Huddersfield station and travelling by train quicker and more convenient”.

Smart ticket gates at Huddersfield station will be another important step in the roll out of the MCard scheme across West Yorkshire which will also see Pay-as-You-Go Cards and online purchasing in the future.