ScotRail is to install automatic ticket gates at five Glasgow stations in and around the city centre.
The gates will be introduced at Anderston, Argyle Street, Charing Cross and both Glasgow Central Low and High Level stations.
Preparatory works – under commitments to reduce ticketless travel, increase revenue protection, improve station security and discourage anti-social behaviour – will begin before the end of this month.
The rolling programme will see ticket gates become operational as early as June and will be completed in November. To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out overnight.
The gates are similar to those introduced seven years ago at Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stations as well as at Glasgow Queen Street. These were followed by ticket gates at Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee and Stirling.
The £5.7m scheme is being funded by Network Rail which runs, maintains and develops the UK railway and a number of key stations.
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s Managing Director, said:
“Revenue protection and reducing ticketless travel have always been priorities for us because it is honest, fare-paying passengers who bear the burden in lost investment in Scotland’s railway.
“Ticket gates, which are part of out franchise agreement, are also proven to discourage anti-social behaviour and improve station security.”
Passenger Focus, the independent watchdog, welcomed the announcement.
Robert Samson, Passenger Link Manager, said:
“The introduction of ticket gates with a visible staff presence at all times will be a benefit to passengers addressing ticketless travel and anti-social behaviour concerns.”
Extra staff will be at the stations to assist customers when the gates are introduced.
Information leaflets and posters will be displayed at the stations in advance of the installations.
