Why You Need to Insert a Card When Collecting a UK Train Ticket
When purchasing a UK train ticket online, you might find yourself needing to insert a card at a self-service ticket machine to collect your tickets. This process might seem unnecessary for those who are used to simply arriving at the station to purchase a ticket, but there are important reasons behind this requirement. In this article, we will explore why this feature is in place, emphasizing the importance of card insertion for both security and preventative measures.
Security and Proof of Purchasing
Inserting the card at the ticket collection machine is a mandatory step when you have bought your tickets online through a self-service ticket machine. According to Mike, the card is required to provide proof that the tickets were collected by the person who actually purchased them. This essential step ensures that the tickets are not being redeemed by someone who did not purchase them, thus maintaining the integrity of the ticketing system.
Proof of Identity: If you have collected a pre-purchased card that you ordered online, you will be required to present proof of identity to show that you are the person who bought the ticket. Simply put, no card means no ticket, making it a crucial part of the collection process.
Enhanced Security Measures
The ticket collection process is designed with an additional layer of security. When you book a train ticket online, you receive a booking reference that consists of letters and numbers. This reference is not sufficiently secure for the purposes of ticket collection, as anyone could obtain it or typo it into the machine. The card check process helps to prevent unauthorized collection of tickets, whether by accident or intent.
How the Card Check Works
The machine immediately recognizes the card, verifying that the person collecting the tickets is the same person who made the purchase. This is the same principle that applies to car hire and hotel check-ins. By requiring the card, the system ensures that the tickets are being collected by the intended individual, who has both the card and the booking reference.
Conclusion
The process of inserting a card when collecting a UK train ticket online is a vital security measure that offers an added layer of protection. It ensures that tickets are not being misused or fraudulently collected, thereby maintaining the trust in the ticketing system. Whether you are collecting tickets for yourself or others, following this simple step can prevent unexpected issues and ensure a smoother journey.