NORTHERN says ticket inspectors will now use new technology to check fare dodgers who use one of the most common excuses for not paying.

“The ticket machine wasn’t working” is often the ‘go to’ explanation for those unable to present a valid ticket for travel.

Now, staff will be able to check the status of more than 600 self-service ticket machines on the network via an app designed in partnership with Flowbird and RADD Solutions.

The app can show staff if a machine is ‘active’ and issuing tickets.

Mark Powles, customer and commercial director at Northern, said: “Self-service ticket machines are a key part of our infrastructure that ensures customers can always buy a ticket before they travel.

"They have, however, been a convenient scapegoat when people are challenged as to why they don’t have a valid ticket for travel.

“Until now, our frontline staff have been in a difficult position when faced with this excuse, as without being able to check, there was always the possibility a machine somewhere on the network was out of action.

"Now, our colleagues will be able to ‘fact check’ the status of the machine in question and issue a penalty fare if appropriate.”

Northern has introduced a ‘Quick Buy’ feature on its ticket vending machines following customer feedback, which has halved the number of steps required to purchase a ticket.

The ‘Quick Buy’ feature also shows customers the next train due and gives a countdown which helps customers determine if they have time to catch the train from when they buy the ticket.

More than 240,000 customers use Northern’s ticket vending machines every four weeks.