New barriers programme to hit back at the rail fare dodgers
TRAIN fare evaders – beware! New ticket barriers will be springing up across the rail network to defy the dodgers.
New ticket gates for stations will aim to tackle deliberate fare evasion which costs rail operators £400 million annually.
As part of Government rail reforms, new ticket gates will be installed at stations and platforms across England targeting fare dodger hot spots.
£33.4 million of funding will support the rollout of a range of gate types at stations which currently have none, including new taller gates to prevent barrier jumping, and more of the standard waist-high gates currently used across Great Britain and on the London Underground.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “Fare evasion is not a victimless crime - it undermines confidence in the railway and means passengers lose out on millions in revenue which should be invested to improve services for everyone.
“By stopping fare dodgers before they reach the platform, we’re protecting taxpayer cash, supporting investment in the network and ensuring the railway works better for the millions of passengers who do the right thing every day by paying their way.
“As we deliver significant reform across our railways in the lead up to Great British Railways, we are creating a truly joined up railway which is more accountable and better equipped to deliver the reliable, modern railway passengers deserve, to create jobs, growth and homes.”
The new ticket gates will have options to scan digital tickets, insert paper tickets or ‘tap ‘out’ where contactless travel is available.