Translink NI Railways passengers are being asked to use new train station platform validators (PVs) which are now live across the network.

The new machines validate tickets or smartcards before travellers board the train.

This latest development is the next key milestone in Translink’s Future Ticketing System (TFTS) which aims to deliver customer-led, innovative ticketing solutions to make public transport first choice for travel.

Translink’s William McGookin said: “This important ‘go-live’ milestone across our rail network follows a successful pilot at selected stations where we saw customers quickly adapt, finding the validators straight-forward and hassle-free.

Pictured with one of the rail platform validators is Translink's Paul Irvine and customers Christine and Olivia Fisher. Picture: released by Translink.

placeholder image — Pictured with one of the rail platform validators is Translink's Paul Irvine and customers Christine and Olivia Fisher. Picture: released by Translink.

"The use of customer platform validators is well established across other rail operators, as well as across our Glider network, and we hope it quickly becomes part of regular travel habits across our rail network.

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"We would like to reassure everyone that validating is very easy – simply present your smartcard to the card reader or present your paper or mobile barcode ticket to the barcode scanner* - you will see a green tick on the PV screen if the ticket is valid or a red ‘X’ if invalid.

"Senior Smartpass customers and other concessionary Smartpass holders should continue to get their paper ticket for travel from a Ticket Vending Machine.

New train station platform validators (PVs) are now live across the Translink NI Railways network and customers are asked to use them to validate their ticket or smartcard before boarding the train. This latest development is the next key milestone in Translink’s Future Ticketing System (TFTS) and follows a successful pilot at selected stations. Picture: released by Translink.

“We would like to thank our customers for their support as we deliver another key ticketing milestone, driving modal shift for a sustainable transport future.”

PV passenger information signage is on display on trains and customers can also find out more, including a video guide, at www.translink.co.uk/railvalidators.