PASSENGERS using overland rail routes will be able to use pay and go Oyster cards from the new year.

The mayor of London Boris Johnson and transport secretary Andrew Adonis today confirmed travellers will be able to use the service from January 2.

Mr Johnson has said the lack of pay and go services for national rail users was ‘crackers’.

The announcement follows an agreement between Transport for London (TfL) and train operating companies, including National Express East Anglia.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that the Oysterisation of all London's commuter rail services is to become a reality. “Our hard work, determination and investment were not in vain.”

“It has ended the crackers situation of Londoners not being able to use Oyster on every commuter route in the capital.”

Commuters using Chingford, Highams Park and Wood Street stations on the Chingford to Liverpool Street were left frustrated when Oyster machines were installed months ago - but not switched on.

Transport Secretary, Andrew Adonis, said the move will “transform” travel in London.

National Express East Anglia serves 26 stations in nine boroughs across east and north east London.

Oyster pay and go is currently accepted only on National Express services from Stratford to Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale/Seven Sisters to Stratford.

Train operating companies will set Oyster pay and go fares on the national rail network, based on zones but different to TfL fares.

An additional combined TfL/national rail fare will be introduced for journeys that incorporate both services.