Editing Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway) (section)

==Rolling out of smartcards==
{{update section|date=July 2016}}
Southern was criticised in January 2007 for not wishing to introduce [[Oyster card (pay as you go) on National Rail|Oyster Pay As You Go]] on its London routes, stating that it was not financially viable. In 2007, Southern introduced [[Oyster card|Oyster]] on its Watford Junction to Clapham Junction route,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.southernrailway.com/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/oyster-card/ |title = Oyster card |access-date = 11 October 2009 |publisher = Southern |archive-date = 9 June 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110609224850/http://www.southernrailway.com/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/oyster-card/ |url-status = live }}</ref> and the company later agreed in principle to the introduction of Oyster across its network,<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.standard.co.uk/news/oyster-cards-for-all-trains-7182163.html |title = Oyster cards for ALL trains |date = 31 January 2007 |newspaper = Evening Standard|location=London |access-date = 4 April 2018 |archive-date = 26 August 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160826022532/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/oyster-cards-for-all-trains-7182163.html |url-status = live }}</ref> but did not give any firm timescale, managing director Chris Burchell saying <blockquote>"There are still a number of outstanding issues that need to be discussed with TfL, but we do not believe these will prevent us making PAYG a reality on our network. We look forward to discussions with TfL on how we can make this happen as soon as possible for our passengers."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1165315.0.southern_say_yes_to_oyster.php |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080228090134/http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1165315.0.southern_say_yes_to_oyster.php |url-status = dead |archive-date = 28 February 2008 |title = Southern say yes to Oyster |date = 3 February 2007 |access-date = 11 June 2009 |newspaper = Wimbledon Gazette }}</ref></blockquote> In its successful franchise bid in 2009, Southern said it was committed to rolling out Oyster Pay As You Go in the London area, but also that such a move was subject to industry agreement.<ref name="franchiseannouncement" /> Since 2 January 2010, Oyster Pay As You Go has been valid on all its London routes, along with most other train services in the London area. In addition, Oyster is valid on Southern services beyond the Greater London boundary as far as Epsom, Epsom Downs, Tattenham Corner, Upper Warlingham, Caterham and Gatwick Airport.

===The Key===
{{Main|The Key (smartcard)}}
In 2012, Southern became the first rail company in England to use the [[ITSO Ltd|ITSO card]] on its network. [[The Key (smartcard)|The Key]] is a smartcard similar to [[Transport for London]]'s [[Oyster card]]. Tickets of various types can be purchased for the smartcard at ticket vending machines across the majority of the GTR network, except within Oyster-capable travel areas, as well as online (season tickets only).

Three forms of Key exist: child, adult, and staff. All child smartcards need a photograph, which is printed onto the card, as well as proof of age while registering. The Key can be de-activated and the tickets transferred to a new card sent out in the post if the smartcard is reported as lost, stolen or faulty.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title = The key smartcard {{!}} Southern Railway |url = https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/contact-us/faqs/the-key-smartcard |access-date = 3 May 2023 |website = southernrailway.com}}</ref> Staff smartcards are only issued to employees of GTR, and offer unlimited travel across all of GTR's network.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

The Key also has a pay-as-you-go feature called [[keyGo]]. With this, customers can tap in and out freely within the keyGo area, and the cheapest combination of tickets from the entire day's taps are automatically calculated at the end of the railway day and automatically charged to a linked payment card. keyGo is also valid on Brighton & Hove buses and Metrobus services within certain areas. Bus journeys are charged at the single, day zonal, day network or Plusbus rates as appropriate.<ref>{{Cite web |title = KeyGo {{!}} Southern Railway |url = https://www.southernrailway.com/tickets/the-key-smartcard/keygo |access-date = 3 May 2023 |website = southernrailway.com}}</ref>

The Key can be used on all National Rail services where tickets are available for purchase on smartcards.<ref name=":1" />