Epsom’s MP has assured residents that a new electronic smartcard will be introduced at its station within the next few weeks, despite the claim not being confirmed by the train company.

Following confusion caused by an interview Mr Grayling gave to the Epsom Guardian in September on the introduction of Southern Trains’ smartcard - known as the Key - at Epsom station, the MP contacted constituents to set the record straight.

In an email, he said: "There has been a little bit of confusion locally about what Southern and South West Trains are planning for the new electronic ticketing system that will be introduced locally in the next few weeks.

"I spoke to Southern again and they have confirmed that our area will be one of the first to have the new system.

"Initially the new smart cards will just contain season ticket information, but over the next few months they will be converted to be able to contain credits in the way an Oyster Card does.

"By the middle of next year they expect the cards to be useable across the London transport system.

"I am still working to get the Department for Transport to include Epsom in zone 6 at the next franchise renewal at the latest."

A spokesman for Southern said it is still in talks with South West Trains, which will need to agree to the use of the Key on the fare routes it controls.

He added: "Once we have agreement, as Mr Grayling has said, it should only take a few weeks - but we’re not quite there yet."

The spokesman added that Epsom station will be one of the first national rail stations to have season tickets into London when the Key is introduced.