COMMUTERS using Elstree & Borehamwood Train Station will be able to use pay as you go Oyster cards from January.

First Capital Connect services from Kings Cross will be part of the expansion of the card scheme, which was confirmed on Monday by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Following an agreement between Transport for London (TfL) and the Train Operating Companies, including First Capital Connect, Oyster pay as you go will be rolled out to all National Rail stations in Greater London that currently accept travelcards.

A ticket from Elstree & Borehamwood Train Station to Zone 1 that costs £5 with a cash ticket will cost £4.90 at peak times and £3.20 at off-peak under the new system.

TfL bosses have said the move will “transform travel” and make more services “accessible” to commuters across London.

Mr Johnson claims hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from the new scheme, which comes into effect on January 2.

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

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis added: "Oyster pay as you go will transform travel in London as for the first time passengers will be able to travel seamlessly across the network and switch between underground and all overground rail services.

“If we are to encourage more people onto public transport, we must make it as easy and convenient to use as possible.

"That is exactly what Oyster has done in London and why extending pay as you go to rail services is so important.”

Fares will be set by each of the rail operating companies, with additional rates being introduced for journeys that incorporate both TfL and national rail services.

A TfL statement said: “In the overwhelming majority of cases, Oyster pay as you go offers the cheapest single rail fare applicable to that particular route.

“The only exceptions are holders of certain National Railcards for whom cheaper paper tickets for travel on National Rail may be available.”

Hugh Clancy, commercial director at First Capital Connect, said: "This is another ticketing option for our customers, making First Capital Connect services even more accessible and easy to use.”