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Oyster pay-as-you-go cards will be extended to Gatwick Airport and five other railway stations in Surrey, it was announced on Tuesday (November 10).

The news, announced by Rail Minister Claire Perry, will see passengers travelling between Gatwick and London able to use Oyster and contactless payments for journeys on Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services.

Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham stations will benefit from the scheme, which will start in the New Year.

The minister said: “Our plan for passengers is to build a 21st century railway that provides better journeys for all, and improved ticketing is a vital part of that customer experience.

“This extension of Oyster and contactless embraces some of the latest technology, making journeys easier for customers, offering them a vastly more convenient option.

“As we undertake the biggest rail modernisation since the Victorian era, improving London to Gatwick by rail is another step to a modern railway that strengthens the economy.”

Last year, a petition was launched to extend London Underground Zone 6 to Staines and Ashford railway stations. This quickly shot up to more than 1,00 signatures as the idea gained pace.

The call co-incided with MP for Epsom and Ewell, Chris Grayling, calling for Epsom railway station to be included in the Oyster car zone.

Customers will be able to benefit from cheaper fares. Currently, a single journey paper peak-time ticket costs £15.40 from London Terminals to Gatwick Airport (excluding Gatwick Express).

With pay-as-you-go, a rush-hour trip will cost £14.00 and £8.00 off-peak.

Other fares include:

Gatwick Express single journey on pay as you go will be £19.80. The current single fare when purchased at London Gatwick or London Victoria is £19.90.

Redhill to London Victoria or London Bridge single journey on pay as you go will be £10.30 peak and £5.80 off-peak. The current anytime day single is £10.50.

East Croydon to Gatwick Airport single journey on pay as you go will be £5.20 peak and £3.00 off-peak. The current paper anytime single (excl. Thameslink only fares) is £5.20.

All existing peak and off-peak fares, advance fares, period fares, and group ticket offers from Gatwick Airport will be maintained, including the special Thameslink only fares offers.

These may cost less than pay-as-you-go and customers are advised to check online in advance.