TRAIN passengers will be able to print off their own tickets at home under a new pilot scheme in Nottingham.
East Midlands Trains is to launch the trial for people travelling to and from Nottingham on its routes.
The rail operator says it is setting up the service to help passengers facing disruption during the ongoing redevelopment of Nottingham Station.
Neil Micklethwaite, customer service and commercial director for East Midlands Trains, said: "We're really excited to be providing this unique new service to our Nottingham passengers.
"While work is ongoing on the multi-million pound transformation of Nottingham Station, we know that many people may find it easier to print their ticket before arriving at the station, so we're pleased to be providing this new service, which we hope will prove popular with passengers."
The trial, which launches next week, is a first for East Midlands Trains.
It is available to passengers who buy advance tickets online through www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.
Customers can print their own tickets for routes between Nottingham and London St Pancras, Sheffield, Luton Airport Parkway, Norwich, Peterborough, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.
Passengers will be able to select the "self print e-ticket" option, and their tickets will be sent to them by e-mail within two hours to print off.
People who use it will need to carry either their credit card, debit card, driving licence or passport as a form of ID on their journey to make sure their tickets are valid.
David Thornhill, chairman of the Notts Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the move.
He said: "I'm totally supportive of it as it's something employed extensively on the continent. In principle it is a boon for the passenger."
Mr Thornhill also praised East Midlands Trains for its response to the snowy and icy conditions in Notts this week.
He had previously flagged up his concerns to the company that the open-air nature of the temporary station ticket office, in Station Street, could lead to problems in cold conditions.
Mr Thornhill said: "I checked at the station myself and I have to congratulate East Midlands Trains. They blitzed it, and had staff out there gritting and salting. They have done everything to make sure it is safe."
