RAIL operator c2c has announced that from next month customers will be able to pay for their journeys right across the c2c route, into London and the wider pay as you go area, by presenting a contactless payment card or device at their departure and arrival stations.

That will extend the existing scheme to include local stations including Basildon, Pitsea and Laindon.

Pay as you go with contactless is already accepted at c2c stations that sit within London Zones 1-6, while also being in place at Purfleet, Chafford Hundred, Grays and Ockendon.

With the 15 remaining c2c stations being added on Sunday 22 September, this will mean that the whole route will accept pay as you go with contactless.

 Welcoming the announcement, Rob Mullen, Managing Director at c2c, said: "Following months of rigorous behind-the-scenes technical and operational testing, I am delighted that work to introduce pay as you go with contactless has now been completed and will launch across our entire network next month.

"We know that our customers want a wide range of accessible ticketing and payment options and pay as you go with contactless offers a fast and flexible way for them to access c2c services, and also those within the London Travelcard and wider pay as you go area, while removing the need to book travel in advance or spend time queuing at ticket machines.

"At c2c we remain fully committed to providing a safe and accessible railway for all, and I firmly believe that the introduction of pay as you go with contactless - giving customers greater choice, flexibility and simple and easy to understand ticketing and payment options - will make travelling with c2c quicker, more convenient and easier than ever before."

Pay as you go with contactless is available during both the peak and off-peak to all customers in possession of a valid contactless payment card or device (for example, mobile phone or smart watch).

In addition to the c2c network, this payment method can be used across London and the wider pay as you go with contactless area, with the best value adult fare calculated and charged for journeys made on the day and time of travel. For most people, this fare is the same as a ticket bought on the day. Customers can also benefit from Monday to Sunday price capping when travelling into and within London.

For full terms and conditions, go to c2c-online.co.uk/tickets-and-fares/digital-tickets/contactless/ or nationalrail.co.uk/contactless

From Sunday, 22 September, pay as you go with contactless will also be accepted at the following stations: Tilbury Town, East Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope, West Horndon, Laindon, Basildon, Pitsea, Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Westcliff, Southend Central, Southend East, Thorpe Bay and Shoeburyness.