TheTrainline, the UK’s leading online train ticket provider, has signed a deal with First Ondemand to supply a security system for a new e-ticketing service. Travellers will now be able to buy tickets on their mobile phones.

Dubbed the new Trainline Smart system, a pilot will be carried out later this year, allowing customers to download via the Internet before downloading them onto a smartcard either at home with a plug-in reader, or at stations. To validate tickets, customers simply tap them against a reader at railway stations, or with a handheld version onboard the train.

First Ondemand CEO, Stephen Moore said: "Smart technology is changing the way the world does business and how companies and people communicate. The popularity of the London Oyster smartcard shows this innovative method of rail ticketing is clearly becoming the delivery channel of choice for many customers. The ability to incorporate an identity and authentication layer brings a greater level of client and customer assurance for transactions through the mobile phone."