AUTOMATIC ticket machines could be installed at Teignmouth railway station after passengers complained of being stung by a buy before you board policy.
Train operators First Great Western are to install ticket machines at manned stations in south Devon from February. It comes as regular commuters complained that despite getting to the station in good time, they were faced with queues with some customers making long and complicated enquiries.
Rather than miss the train, passengers have been hoping to pay on board. But conductors have been getting strict on the buy before you board policy and charging customers.
Teignmouth commuter Alex Cross uses the train to get to work in Newton Abbot. 'When queues develop, everybody is faced with missing the train or paying on it.
'Since the recent crackdown, people have to pay extra for on board tickets despite having got to the station in good time,' he said. A spokesman for First Great Western said that that the policy had always been in place but it has been more strongly enforced recently to avoid fare evasion.
He also pointed out that season tickets could be bought in advance or online.
Devon county councillor Chris Bray, who campaigned on behalf of passengers, said: 'I am delighted that the company is looking at ways to provide an efficient service and the real bonus is the confirmation that ticket machines will be installed.'