More Ticket Machines for Bristol Temple Meads

[whole diary]

[grahame]

... and it appears to sell the full range of tickets and a more compact design. ...

I do find myself wondering why TVMs^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine) have been so large, when they only need to provide the same facilities as an Avantix^▸ (Ticket Issuing System used on board trains), plus the ability to print out pre-booked tickets.

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

I assume that the new type TVM^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine) accepts payment only by cards (i.e. no cash). Cash payment was disabled on the Hanborough machine after it had been raided by thieves a couple of years ago soon after installation. However the machine still bares the legend "All cash is removed from this machine daily" which seems to be an open invitation to attack again. It lloks as though there will still be the complaiunts from people who suffer from lower back pain about having to bend down low to use the card payment device. After I received complaints about this whichj I passed on to FGW^▸ (First Great Western) I was told that it is positioned low so that people in wheel chairs can use it.

[JayMac]

It would have been nice to see these additional machines at Temple Meads set up to accept cash. Excepting the smaller one they are all capable of doing so. It would appear that even at a station as busy as Bristol Temple Meads FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have concerns about damage and theft from the machines. I still think they should have located them inside the door along the wall where the bank of payphones currently is. Although had they been located there then they may have caused congestion at busy times. No easy solution until the Temple Quay entrance and booking office area is redeveloped - possibly in conjunction with IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.) electrification and the rumoured relaying of tracks into part of the original Brunel trainshed. 

[TonyK]

It would appear that even at a station as busy as Bristol Temple Meads FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have concerns about damage and theft from the machines.

I think it's more likely that they would prefer everyone to use cards, as electrons are easier and less risky to bank than fivers. It's been a while since I last heard the cry of "Stand and Deliver!" in Bristol, but security costs money when the sums being transported get big.

[JayMac]

More prominent and visible signage has now been installed in the booking hall at Bristol Temple Meads:

[Timmer]

Can't miss those signs in a hurry. Is that on open Temple Meads Travel Centre I see on this picture?

[Brucey]

Also, has the Travel Centre's name changed ... or has it always been labelled as "Advanced Travel Sales" and I've never noticed? 

[JayMac]

Is that an open Temple Meads Travel Centre I see in this picture?

Indeed it is! The photo was taken at 1737 this past Wednesday. My ghast was suitably flabbered.  

Maybe my many complaints and comments about erratic opening hours have worked. 

Also, has the Travel Centre's name changed ... or has it always been labelled as "Advanced Travel Sales" and I've never noticed? 

It's had that name since BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) days I believe. With the signs having been updated but not reworded.

[tramway]

Unfortunately the new machines are now so popular that at peak times the customers there now block the entrance to the station.