UK-first smart gates unveiled by Chiltern Railways at High Wycombe Station
Innovative new smart gates designed to both tackle fare evasion and improve accessibility were unveiled by Chiltern Railways at High Wycombe Station today (Friday 09 October).
Designed by Cubic Transportation Systems, the modern FEnX gates at High Wycombe are the first of the next generation of gates to open to the public in the UK. Compared to older style ticket gates, the new technology can understand how customers are moving through the gate and their mobility needs. This helps customers move through stations more quickly and easily, with improved accessibility and a smoother travel experience.
Fare evasion costs the railway millions each year, preventing investment into the network, driving up prices for the vast majority of customers who pay for their travel, and undermining trust in the system.
The new gates have been installed at both entrances to the station serving platforms 1, 2 and 3. They were officially unveiled at a launch event today attended by Chiltern Railways, Cubic, Wycombe MP and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds and industry partners. Guests were able to test the new gates which are now in use at the station.
Tony Baxter, Interim Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:
“I am delighted that High Wycombe is the first station in the UK to have these new ticket gates in operation.
“Their size and innovative features will not only protect crucial funds lost to fare evasion, but they will improve the experience for customers travelling through the station.
“It is only a few weeks since Chiltern moved into public ownership and this announcement is a great example of industry collaboration to deliver a better railway for our customers in the future.”
Emma Reynolds, MP for Wycombe and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“As a regular commuter on Chiltern Railways, I welcome measures to crack down on fare evasion and anti-social behaviour. I am delighted that High Wycombe has been selected as the first station in the country to get the state-of-the-art FEnX gates.
“It is good news that the gates will also improve the customer experience for passengers with disabilities.”
Kevin Maslin, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Cubic, said:
"This is a great moment for both Chiltern Railways and Cubic. We have built a strong partnership over many years, and we have consistently been at the forefront of innovation together.
“Bringing FEnX gates to High Wycombe is another example of that shared ambition, creating a more accessible and modern railway network. We look forward to installing FEnX gates at many more stations across the UK."
Key benefits of the gates include:
- Reducing fare evasion both through a stronger physical barrier and a detection system which monitors when people try to enter without paying
- Improved accessibility for people with disabilities as the sensors can recognise when someone needs more time, keeping the gate open longer when appropriate
- Creating a safer station environment by using advanced sensors and computer vision
Pay as you go technology for customers using contactless is still at a testing phase and will be available for use on the new gates in the coming weeks. Customers who currently travel using pay you go with contactless will be able to use the card validators next to the gates in the interim.
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Notes to editors
More information on the key benefits of the gates:
- Reducing fare evasion through a stronger physical barrier and a detection system which monitors when people try to enter without paying
The gates combine a full-height physical barrier with intelligent detection technology which can identify when someone is trying to get through the gate without a ticket. An example of this is if someone tailgates or tries to push through the barriers. This gives operators better visibility of potential fare evasion and helps protect revenue that can be reinvested in the railway.
- Improved accessibility for people with disabilities as the sensors can recognise when someone needs more time, keeping the gate open longer when appropriate
This ensures the safety of all customers, especially for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, customers with luggage and those travelling with pushchairs. Unlike the previous gates, FEnX doesn’t need ramps providing a completely flat surface for those with accessibility needs. - Creating a safer station environment by using advanced sensors and computer vision
Advanced sensors and computer vision technology allow paddle speeds to change depending on what is happening at the gate itself. An example is that the gates close slower if they it detect a person stopped in the aisle. This supports safer operations and helps staff manage station environments more effectively.
About DFTO
DFTO works with train operators and Network Rail to lay the foundations for Great British Railways (GBR) - working together to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain. Ahead of the establishment of GBR in 2027, DFTO is responsible for bringing privately operated passenger services into public ownership, ensuring stability, accountability and continuity for customers and taxpayers. The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, GTR, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains. DFTO now runs 12,000 rail services every day and delivers over one billion customer journeys across its networks each year.