- The UK government has allocated £33.4 million to fund new gateline improvements aimed at tackling fare evasion.
- The funding will support the installation of taller ticket barriers at railway stations across England to prevent fare dodging.
- Stations in London will also receive these taller barriers as part of the fare evasion crackdown.
- The Department for Transport (DfT) estimates that fare evasion puts up to £400 million in rail revenue at risk each year.
- The funding aims to recover lost revenue from fare evasion, which is estimated to cost the rail industry £350 million to £400 million annually.
- The rollout of the new barriers is expected to begin in the first half of 2027 and be completed by mid-2028.
- Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy emphasized that fare evasion undermines confidence in the railway and affects revenue that could improve services.
The UK government has allocated £33.4 million to install taller ticket barriers at railway stations across England, aiming to reduce fare evasion that costs the rail industry up to £400 million annually. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance rail services and ensure fairer travel for passengers.124
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy emphasized, “Fare evasion is not a victimless crime - it undermines confidence in the railway and means passengers lose out on millions in revenue which should be invested to improve services for everyone.” The funding will support the installation of new gate types, including taller barriers designed to prevent fare dodgers from jumping over gates.7
The rollout will target 'fare dodger hotspots' and is expected to begin in 2027, with completion by mid-2028. Stations benefiting from the funding include those served by Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, and Thameslink Southern Great Northern, among others.6
The Department for Transport (DfT) stated that the new barriers will help protect taxpayer cash and support investment in the network. The initiative aligns with the goals of Great British Railways, which aims to create a more accountable and efficient railway system.
In addition to the barriers, the DfT is also expanding contactless payment options and digital ticketing to enhance passenger experience and streamline services.
“The Rail Delivery Group estimates between £350m and £400m is lost to fare evasion annually, with operators like Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway among those receiving funding. Taller paddle doors are designed to prevent barrier jumping, and the first phase of rollout is expected in the first half of 2027, with full completion by mid-2028.”
London Evening Standard
