Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) has initiated a three-month trial to combat fare evasion by scrapping digital tickets at select stations. This move aims to address the issue of ‘quick scanning’, where passengers buy tickets just before inspections to avoid paying full fares. By eliminating QR codes for digital tickets, GTR is forcing customers to obtain physical tickets, making it harder for fare dodgers to exploit the system.
The trial is part of a broader strategy to reduce the estimated £350 million to £400 million lost annually to ticket fraud. GTR’s revenue protection head, Stephen MacCallaugh, emphasised the importance of ensuring all passengers pay the correct fare, highlighting the financial burden on taxpayers due to fare evasion.
In addition to GTR’s measures, the Department for Transport is investing £33.4 million to install new barriers at stations across England. These barriers will be designed to deter fare dodgers by making it more difficult to jump over them. The initiative targets known fare evasion hotspots, aiming to enhance revenue collection and improve the overall integrity of the rail system.
As these changes roll out, passengers may experience longer wait times at ticket offices and machines, potentially altering their travel routines. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored, with the hope of establishing a fairer system for all rail users.
Source: LBC News
