In the medium term (say 2-3 years) it's certainly an achievable goal. But implementing it in September is far too soon; TVMs would have to be upgraded to give them a "staff mode" like what LU TVMs have. Rangers, rovers and PTE products would have to be sold at ticket machines and online. And quite a lot more ticket machines would need to be installed.
Whilst a lot of people do use mobile ticketing, Avanti have dropped a right clanger by reducing the number of TVMs as part of their replacement programme. Quite major stations are left with only 2 TVMs and even Euston just has 5 IIRC. That might be fine at the quietest times but it's of no use when there is a long queue for buying or collecting tickets, forcing people to miss their train.
I think letting this leak may be more of a negotiating tactic than anything else.
Whilst a lot of people do use mobile ticketing, Avanti have dropped a right clanger by reducing the number of TVMs as part of their replacement programme. Quite major stations are left with only 2 TVMs and even Euston just has 5 IIRC. That might be fine at the quietest times but it's of no use when there is a long queue for buying or collecting tickets, forcing people to miss their train.
I think letting this leak may be more of a negotiating tactic than anything else.