Northern installs new ticket vending machines at over 400 locations

Northern, the UK train operating company (TOC), has gone above and beyond to provide its passengers with a better way to buy tickets. The TOC originally pledged to install 600 new ticket vending machines (TVMs) across the network as part of its wide-ranging modernisation plan, but has gone a step further and installed 621 new machines. 

Northern announced that it would install 600 new machines in a bid to make purchasing fares faster and easier for its customers in 2016. The rail operator has now invested £17 million in the scheme, which has seen a total of 621 modern touch-screen ticket vending machines installed at 420 locations across the north.  

Northern’s TVMs offer a wide range of fares – including discounts and concessions – and will even suggest cheaper alternatives to help customers to save money. The machines compliment other methods of buying tickets, such as via ticket offices, the Northern website and the dedicated mobile app. 

Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said: “Our new machines provide more options for customers and have greatly improved facilities for them, particularly at unstaffed stations. The full touchscreen design is modern and intuitive and has a number of features, which means that it is accessible for disabled customers, too.” 

“Northern plans to transform and digitise the way that our customers pay for fares; this includes adding more TVMs across our networks, and we have also introduced Smart season tickets, which can be renewed online any time or at our upgraded ticket machines. We encourage everyone travelling by train to buy their ticket before they board, as this not only saves time and money, but is a legal requirement where facilities to do so, such as open ticket offices and ticket vending machines, exist,” he added.

Credit: Northern

The improvements come as part of Northern’s wider programme of transformation across the rail network. Northern’s campaign – A Better Way to Go – highlights the work being done by the train operator to improve every step of the customer journey. 

Mark added: “The TVMs are a key part of a larger improvement programme which is transforming rail travel for our customers. We are working hard to make sure that our stations are safe, accessible and welcoming places for customers and even small changes – like installing more TVMs – can make a big difference. Our A Better Way to Go campaign demonstrates the hard work that has taken place as we continue to transform rail travel in the north, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved.”   

The campaign, which will be seen in stations, on-trains and online, will also cover improvements such as:   

• A new fleet made up of 101 state-of-the-art trains   
• An additional 240 trains have been fully refurbished  
• Industry leading mobility scooter policy   
• Roll-out of more bodycam units for station staff   
• Improved CCTV onboard and in stations   
• Car park refurbishments   
• Platform extensions.