The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that new ticket gates are to be installed at stations and platforms across England.

It will target the installation of the gates at ‘hot spots’ for fare dodging, and hopes that it will lead to a reduction in deliberate ticketless travel.

The new gates are part of the government’s rail reforms, and will see £33.4 million being spent on the new ticket gates.

Various types of gates will be installed at stations which currently have none. These will include new taller gates, which will be more difficult for people to jump over. There will also be more of the standard waist-high gates that are currently used at stations across the country, including on London Underground.

The new ticket gates will include options to scan digital tickets, insert paper tickets or ‘tap out’ (where contactless travel is available).

The Department reckons that fare evasion puts up to £400 million of rail revenue at risk each year. It expects the new gates to help protect revenue, which it can then spend on maintaining the railway and improving services. Great British Railways (GBR) also plans to simplify ticketing.

Contactless Pay As You Go technology is being expanded across the railway network, with digital ticketing trials taking place in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The GBR app, once it is launched, will enable passengers to buy tickets, check train times and access information and support.

Earlier this year, the government revealed that once Great British Railways is in charge of the railway, passengers will be able to claim Delay Repay more easily and directly.  

“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.”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy