TRAIN operator Northern had pledged to install 600 new ticket vending machines across the network as part of wide-ranging modernisation plan – but has gone a step further and installed 621 new machines.

The £17 million scheme has seen Northern install its modern touch-screen machines at more than 400 stations across the north of England.

Northern, which runs trains on the Airedale, Wharfedale and Calder Valley lines, said the new machines offer a wide range of fares – including discounts and concessions – and will even suggest cheaper alternatives to help customers save money.

Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said: “Our new machines provide more options for customers and have greatly improved facilities for our customers, particularly at unstaffed stations.

“The full touchscreen design is modern and intuitive and has a number of features which means it is accessible for disabled customers too.”

“Northern plans to transform and digitise the way our customers pay for fares, this includes adding more TVMs across our networks and we have 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 and time and money but is a legal requirement where facilities to do so such as open ticket offices and ticket vending machines exist.”