A PAY as you go train travel scheme, similar to London’s Oyster Card, could be extended to south Essex.

The Department for Transport is holding a consultation into the plans which would see the c2c rail line and the Greater Anglia Southend Victoria line included in the zone.

Pay and go systems automatically charge the fare for the journey without needing the customer to buy a ticket.

The Government say this could be more convenient for many passengers since it avoids the need to work out your daily or weekly travel in advance or queue up to buy tickets.

A public consultation is open until May 1.

Peter Slattery, 60, from the Southend Rail Travellers’ Association said he thinks it’s a good idea but must cover all tickets.

He said: “The Oyster Card works for London so there is no reason why it wouldn’t work elsewhere.

“If it is a half-hearted effort and only covers some tickets it may cause more issues.

“We must have the right technology systems behind it so that when goes wrong it can be fixed quickly.”

Councillors have also backed the government plans.

Andrew Moring, councillor for infrastructure at Southend Council said he thinks it would benefit commuters.

He said: “It would take the stress out of commuting as people wouldn’t have to worry about queueing for ticket machines. Having been a commuter I think this is a good idea.

A c2c spokesman said: “We have proposed a package of reforms to the rail industry fares system, following last year’s extensive public consultation.

“This demonstrated strong public support for reform. We’re in ongoing discussions with the Government and the rest of the rail industry about a possible trial of extending Pay-As-You-Go on our route.”