DOVER, N.H. — Automated machines may soon allow Downeaster riders to purchase or pick up tickets at each station, according to Foster’s Daily Democrat.
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority placed an order to Amtrak for the installation of Quik-Trak ticketing machines at each station between Boston and Portland, Maine. Only North Station and Portland have ticketing facilities, causing an inconvenience and possible confusion for the passengers, as well as conductors, who have to issue tickets and take payments on the train.
The seven stations along the route that will have the machines are Haverhill, Mass., Exeter, Durham, Dover, and Wells, Saco and Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Old Orchard Beach is a summer station only and opens in June.
On its Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, Amtrak has banned the onboard purchasing and issuance of tickets for security reasons. However, Amtrak made an exception on the Downeaster because of the lack of ticketing facilities.
The machines allow the purchase of tickets with a major credit card or most debit cards carrying the VISA or MasterCard logo. Users enter the departure and destination information and if space is available, the machine will print a ticket.
The machine also allows riders to print tickets already reserved and purchased online or through the telephone reservation system by simply entering the reservation number and inserting a debit or credit card for verification.
“It will enable us to enforce the reserved status of the train,” rail authority spokeswoman Patricia Douglas said. Now, train conductors must take a lot of time issuing tickets and taking payment, even from those riders whose seats are reserved.
“It will free up a lot of time for the conductors. In general, it will be a huge benefit for the service.”
Douglas noted that the machines will permit the train crew to better predict passenger loads and provide equipment to accommodate the demand.
Amtrak may permit those without a credit card to pay on board, but the practice is discouraged, Douglas said.