RAIL operator c2c has confirmed it intends to expand it contactless ticket service across all stations from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness bu the end of the year.

With contactless pay as you go "tap in and tap out" already accepted at c2c stations in the London pay as you go area - as far east as Upminster and Grays - the remaining 15 c2c stations including Tilbury, East Tilbury and Stanford-le-Hope are set to be updated.

 c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: "Our work to introduce contactless pay as you go at all c2c stations across the network is nearing completion as we enter the final stages of rigorous technical and operational testing. 

"We are working closely with our digital partners to ensure that all ticket and card readers fitted to barriers at stations are configured and ready to accept contactless pay as you go, and with our retail teams to get the required changes to payment systems in place.

 "We know that customers have recently experienced issues with the c2c app, purchasing smartcards and at our ticket machines, and while we have worked hard to fix these issues as quickly as possible, we know this isn't good enough. 

"Ensuring we have a reliable retail offering is of utmost importance, and as part of our ongoing commitment to making c2c a more attractive and comfortable railway for all, I believe that the introduction of contactless pay as you go across our entire network – giving customers greater choice, flexibility and simple and easy to understand ticketing and payment options – will make travelling with c2c better and easier than ever before."