Train passengers using Southeastern services will be able to swap their paper season ticket for an Oyster card-style pass from today.

Southeastern is launching a new smart card called the Key as it moves towards "paperless commuting".

The scheme will be initially for weekly, monthly or annual season tickets.

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The initiative is designed to make it easier for passengers to book tickets ahead of travelling.

An official launch of the scheme is due to take place today at Sevenoaks station and is part of the government’s strategy for “smart card” ticketing and quicker “tap and go” travel.

It works in a similar way to the Oyster card, which allows commuters to tap ticket barriers rather than feed them through machines.

But unlike Oyster, the Key will not hold funds or credit. Instead, it will store up to five tickets at any one time and each must be bought and loaded separately.

Passengers will be able to check the status of their tickets and journey history in their online account or at any ticket office.

The £5.5 million project is part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) South East Flexible Ticketing (SEFT) programme.

Passengers using The Key can buy their weekly, monthly or annual Season Ticket easily online or, outside London, from Southeastern ticket vending machines without waiting for them to arrive by post or having to queue at their station.

David Statham, Southeastern’s Managing Director: “This is all about making life easier for our passengers"

Online tickets can be collected two hours after purchase, while tickets bought from TVMs will be loaded onto the card immediately.

David Statham, Southeastern’s Managing Director, said: “This is all about making life easier for our passengers.

"It’s great news for commuters, because it means they can beat those Monday morning queues.

"The Key is quicker, sturdier and more secure than paper – and it offers huge potential for future exciting developments that can help to give our passengers better journeys."

Passengers can apply online to be sent their Key, free, within 3-5 working days at www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/thekey