Passengers using Southern rail services are to be provided with more choice, security and convenience with the launch of a new smartcard.

These cards will be able to be used for journeys by rail, bus and tube across the capital following the launch of Travelcards on Southern's 'the key' smartcard.

Instead of using a paper ticket, passengers will have the option to upload their Travelcards to the smartcard.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: "Offering smart ticketing is an important part of our plans to deliver a better experience for passengers, providing greater choice, security and convenience, and making it easier to get around."

Smart ticketing is currently being rolled out across London and the south-east. Over the coming months, similar services will be offered by train operators, in partnership with the government and Transport for London.

As a result of this drive, around 300 stations will become smartcard-enabled over the next two years.