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Rail passengers could soon be paying for journeys with fingerprint or iris scans under a new plan to ease overcrowding at stations.

Swapping train tickets for biometric technology would enable fares to be automatically charged, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.

The organisation, representing train operators and Network Rail, claimed such a system could follow on from the use of smartphones' Bluetooth signals to open station barriers, which will be trialled on Chiltern Railways' route between London Marylebone and Oxford Parkway over the coming months.

More than 200 research, design and technology projects have been identified to help the UK's railway network serve more passengers and boost customer service.

It follows on from the use of contactless card payment and Apple pay, using iPhones, on London's rail and Tube network.

Launching the RDG's Capability Delivery Plan, chief executive Paul Plummer said the network is "increasingly full" and steps must be taken to consider "the solutions of tomorrow".

He said: "This blueprint sets out how we can harness digital technology to make journeys better for passengers and freight customers on a railway that's simpler and easier to use."

The plan also sets out how new seat designs could be incorporated into existing rolling stock within a year.

One version is expected to allow up to 30% more seats in a single carriage, allowing passengers to sit in a more upright position and increase standing space on busy commuter services.

Another design features seats which can be folded during peak times to allow more passengers to travel in a smaller area.

The RDG also said the use of digital signalling technology will allow trains to operate closer together, providing more frequent services and cutting delays.

In November the Treasury committed £450 million towards trialling such a system.

Mr Plummer added: "A 21st century railway offers opportunities for businesses to grow by bringing more technology to the railway more quickly. Everyone in the railway is working together to make this plan a success."