A North Lanarkshire councillor is calling on ScotRail to introduce a ticket machine for his constituents at Shieldmuir train station.
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig representative Nathan Wilson has written to ScotRail’s Managing Director, Alex Hynes to request that ScotRail assess the matter and install a machine for passengers.
Ticket machines are available at the other local train stations of Motherwell, Wishaw, Airbles, Holytown and Bellshill.
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However, there is no ticket machine present at Shieldmuir where passengers are able to buy a paper ticket before travelling on a ScotRail service.
Councillor Wilson said: “It is disappointing that passengers who travel from Shieldmuir do not have the ease of access that is provided by a machine to purchase a ticket before joining a train at the station.
“Shieldmuir is surrounded by considerable residential development and offers an important transportation option for local people travelling to Glasgow and other destinations for work, leisure and other purposes.
“Based on buy before you board advice set out on ScotRail’s website, it seems clear that the best situation for Shieldmuir would be one where a machine is present at the station to support local people with the purchasing of a ticket before their journey.
“There have been major improvements at the train station in recent years with the completion of a long-awaited park and ride for passengers.
“The absence of a ticket machine does appear to be one of the only remaining key facilities that is absent at the station.
“I have asked that ScotRail review the issue and with a view to introducing a ticket machine at Shieldmuir.”
On a section of ScotRail’s website titled “Buy Before You Board”, it is suggested that it is desirable for members of the public to purchase a ticket before travelling on a train, it helps to avoid long queues when arriving at a destination and not all ticket types can be bought from on-board staff.
Passengers can buy a range of tickets at a machine including weekly season tickets and discounted tickets for railcard holders.
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