Will the gates accept my rail tickets?
Are there tickets which the gates won’t accept?
If there’s a problem, how can I get help?
Are the gates easy for disabled passengers to use?
Will I be allowed through the gate if I haven’t had time to buy a ticket before my train departs?
What if I arrive by train at one of the gated stations without a ticket?
What if I board the train at an unstaffed station?
How do I use the new gates?
The gates are designed to allow passengers to access and exit the station quickly and safely. Simply use the gate marked with a green arrow or the word entry/exit and put your ticket in the slot indicated at the front. The gate will open and let you through.
If you have completed your journey, on leaving the station, the gate will retain your ticket if it is a single or the completed portion of a return ticket. All other types of tickets will be returned to you from the exit slot on top of the gate. If you require a receipt, please ask for one when buying your ticket.
Sensors in the gate detect your presence and prevent them from closing on you
Will the gates accept my rail tickets?
The gates will accept the majority of ‘credit card type’ card tickets with a magnetic stripe on the reverse
Are there tickets which the gates won’t accept?
Tickets that are not accepted are paper style ticket issued by travel agents, self-print tickets, (like the Downlander)and GroupSave tickets
If you hold any valid rail ticket or pass that is not accepted by the gates just show it to the staff on duty who will open the gate for you
If there’s a problem, how can I get help?
Just ask a member of the gateline staff
Are the gates easy for disabled passengers to use?
The ticket gates are built to the latest accessibility standards with one extra wide gate to accommodate wheelchairs. As well as serving passengers with disabilities, the gates are designed to ensure that passengers with pushchairs, small children, dogs or large amounts of luggage are not delayed
Will I be allowed through the gate if I haven’t had time to buy a ticket before my train departs?
You must allow enough time to buy your ticket before travelling as you will not be able to get onto the station platform without a valid ticket. For the benefit of passengers who are in a hurry, ticket vending machines that accept cash or credit cards are available on the concourse or at the entrance to the station
What if I arrive by train at one of the gated stations without a ticket?
You should go to the excess fares window or the gate staff who will deal with your enquiry.Southern operate a penalty fare scheme at most of its stations. If you board a train without a ticket and the station had the facilities to provide one, you maybe liable to a penalty fare. For further information please visit the Penalty Fares page
What if I board the train at an unstaffed station?
You should buy your ticket from the Ticket Vending Machine or buy a permit to travel if the machine is available from the station
