Just the Ticket

Automatic ticket gates are a key way to deter fraud from unpaid travel on railroad lines. The gates also help reduce anti-social behavior and prevent crime. This article describes one railroad franchise's experience with installing automatic ticket gates. First Capital Connect has added gatelines at 13 stations, with a further three to go live by this summer. Before the company installs a gateline, it studies the best location for the gate's positioning, taking into account foot traffic in the station and working out flow rates for certain times of day and how to best make use of the available space. At every gateline location there is an extra-wide aisle for easy access with wheelchair, luggage or bicycles. First Capital Connect has increased the number of staff at locations with gatelines to ensure customers can complete their journey as conveniently as possible. At some of First Capital Connect's busiest stations with gatelines, such as St Albans and Stevenage in Hertfordshire, crime is down by 45 and 47% respectively. Looking to the future, another advantage is the flexibility gatelines will be able to provide to customers as new technology unfolds. This could include electronic readers fitted so that customers can print tickets at home and then simply scan the ticket at the station. First Capital Connect considers the gatelines to be a positive and successful addition to its stations.