Friends of the Rail Forum

ATOC has announced the completion of a £200 million pound investment programme making it easier to buy railway tickets. The project includes the replacement of 10,000 ticket issuing terminals, new self-service machines and new on-train ticket retailing systems, all offering the security of Chip and PIN card payment.


Train companies have invested substantially in new retail terminals which will provide high street style retailing across the national rail network. The investment allows for the future application of emerging technology such as smartcards, mobile phone ticketing and e-ticketing. These systems will improve passenger convenience and flexibility. It will reduce reliance on paper tickets.


Says Rail Minister Tom Harris, ‘Passengers want to be able to buy the right tickets, quickly and easily. I commend operators on responding to that need with this investment - good progress has been made. I encourage the industry to go further in developing the innovative ticketing systems that the rail network deserves.’ Antony Lain, CEO of Rail Settlement Plan at ATOC said, ‘It’s out with the old and in with the new on Britain’s railways. We are making major improvements to the way people can buy rail tickets. This is further evidence of the substantial commitment train operating companies are making on behalf of passengers, to deliver reliable, convenient and simple ticketing.’

The National Rail lines around London are gradually introducing the Oystercard, a smart card which has been in use on London's buses, trams, underground and Docklands Light Railway for some years. Some of the train operating companies resisted it initially, but they are now falling in line. I use an Oystercard whenever I'm in London and it really is great - and very frustrating that I can't use it on certain National Rail lines yet.