Chiltern Railways has put next-generation smart ticket gates into service at High Wycombe station, in what it and supplier Cubic Transportation Systems describe as a UK first.
The FEnX gates have been installed at both station entrances serving platforms 1, 2 and 3. They use sensors and computer vision to assess how passengers are moving through the gate, including whether someone may need additional time because of a disability or mobility requirement.
Technology designed to improve access and security
Cubic says the gates are intended to tackle fare evasion through a stronger physical barrier and a detection system that identifies attempts to enter without paying. The system is also designed to support a safer station environment.
Chiltern Railways said fare evasion costs the railway millions of pounds each year, reducing funds available for investment and placing additional pressure on paying passengers.
Tony Baxter, interim managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “I am delighted that High Wycombe is the first station in the UK to have these new ticket gates in operation. Their size and innovative features will not only protect crucial funds lost to fare evasion, but they will improve the experience for customers travelling through the station.”
He added that the installation followed Chiltern’s move into public ownership and was an example of collaboration aimed at improving the railway.
Emma Reynolds, MP for Wycombe and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said the gates would help address fare evasion and anti-social behaviour, while improving the experience for passengers with disabilities.
Contactless functionality to follow
Pay-as-you-go contactless travel on the new gates remains in testing and is expected to become available in the coming weeks. Until then, passengers using contactless pay-as-you-go travel can use the card validators beside the gates.
Kevin Maslin, Cubic’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the company expected FEnX gates to be installed at more UK stations.