Train passengers will soon be able to swap their paper season ticket for an Oyster card-style pass.

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

The tickets will be rolled out next month, initially for weekly, monthly or annual season tickets.

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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 – 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.

Southeastern managing director David Statham said: "From 5 December, our passengers will be able to unlock the benefits of smart, paperless ticketing and speedy, tap-and-go travel. The Key will be easier, quicker, sturdier and more secure."

Passengers will be able to buy tickets online or from Southeastern ticket vending machines outside London.

Tickets are automatically loaded onto The Key by tapping it onto a smart card reader at a station, either on the automatic ticket barriers or on the ticket machine.

Online tickets can be collected two hours after they are bought, while tickets bought from machines will be loaded onto the card immediately.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: "This new smart card is great news for season ticket holders on Southeastern who will no longer have to rely on paper tickets. Monday morning queues to buy tickets before you board will also be a thing of the past.

"With technology like this new card we are finally bringing rail travel into the 21century."

Passengers can apply online from November 30 to be sent their free Key.

For more information, visit the Southeastern website.