TICKET vending machines are to be installed at unstaffed railway stations at Frodsham, Helsby and Runcorn East to help beat fare dodgers.

Members of Frodsham-based North Cheshire Rail Users’ Group (NCRUG) have welcomed the move by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) which they say will also more accurately log the increasing number of passengers boarding trains at the three stations on the Manchester-Chester-North Wales line.

NCRUG chairman, Janet Briggs said: “It had to happen. Not only is the train operator losing revenue, it’s important we know how many people are using these stations because of overcrowding issues on some trains.”

The group was told about the ticket machines by ATW managers who attended their latest meeting and reported findings from recent revenue protection exercises which highlighted ‘considerable ticketless travel’, particularly on peak hour trains.

Mrs Briggs said group members had observed how easy it is to travel without paying to Warrington Bank Quay station, operated by Virgin Trains, because the conductor is unable to collect all fares before arrival and the station has no ticket gates.

Notices about the new scheme will be put up before ticket machines are installed, probably later this year.

It’s understood they will accept only debit or credit card payments, and passengers unable to use the machines will still be allowed to pay on the train.

“Passengers will be expected to purchase tickets before travelling or seek out the conductor on the train,” said Mrs Briggs. “Revenue protection staff will be making random checks on trains but, hopefully, there will be a firm but sympathetic approach to enforcement as some people may not understand the system or may have difficulties with ticket machines.”