A truly Smart Rail Ticketing Kiosk

Cammax logo in white
Est Midlands Railway logo in white
Silverrail logo

The issue of fair pricing in train ticketing has plagued the UK rail network for many years. At the heart of the problem lies the legacy of outdated technology.

Discover how Silver Rail and Cammax teamed up to overcome this long-standing industry challenge and develop the UK’s first truly smart Rail Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). The Smart Rail TVM transcends simple ticket issuance, offering a comprehensive journey planning experience that was previously only available through online channels.

Transforming Ticketing for East Midlands Railway

With a goal to bring the convenience of online booking to station kiosks,  SilverRail (a transport technology company) and East Midlands Railway (EMR) (backed by Abellio Group and RDG) set out to transform standard TVMs into dynamic, customer-friendly kiosks—effectively turning them into smart, self-service retail points that are:

Streamlined and intuitive

Touchscreen, clear pricing, contactless pay.

Fully integrated

Advanced ticket options, smartcard support, real-time info.

Scalable

From pilot sites in 2021 to broad regional coverage in 2022—and looking ahead at even further functionality upgrades.

Challenges

Before the project, EMR’s existing Ticket Vending Machines were limited in functionality, slow to use, and unable to offer full fare options. Passengers at smaller or unstaffed stations often couldn’t buy the cheapest tickets, book in advance, or access real-time travel updates. The system also lacked flexibility in payment methods and ticket fulfilment.

To deliver the new Smart TVMs, Cammax also had to achieve Rail Delivery Group (RDG) accreditation, ensuring the machines met strict industry and security standards before deployment.

Objectives

The project set out to:

  • Achieve RDG Accreditation & RSP Certification to meet rail industry standards and security requirements.
  • Develop a bespoke Smart TVM solution from scratch, tailored to EMR’s needs.
  • Improve usability and design with a clearer, more intuitive interface than existing market options.
  • Boost cost efficiency by creating a system that’s cheaper to install and operate.
  • Enhance the passenger experience with a fast, card-only ticketing process that reduces faults and enables ticket purchase before boarding.

Solution

The EMR Smart TVM combines advanced technology with a simple, intuitive interface, making ticket purchasing quick and straightforward.

Passengers can buy advance or walk-up tickets as a printed barcode or direct to a smartcard, and collect pre-purchased smart products from an integrated collection device.

Optional Real-Time Information screens provide live train updates—especially useful at smaller, unstaffed stations. Powered by SilverRail’s SilverCore ticket issuing system and UK Journey Planner, the kiosks allow bookings up to 90 days ahead, helping passengers secure the best available fares.

Ticket machine in dark purple displays an EMR interface. Screens show ticket purchase steps with options for location, time, and payment.

Pilot & Early Rollout (2021)

  • Pilot: Two Smart Ticketing TVMs launched at Derby and Uttoxeter.
  • Intuitive touchscreens, contactless payments, barcode printing, and pre-purchase collection capabilities.
  • Ticket Office functionality replicated even at unmanned stations.

Phase 2 Expansion

  • In 2022, EMR deployed 28 additional Smart TVMs across smaller stations in Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Outcomes

  • Multiple fulfilment options: Barcode e-tickets or smartcard delivery.
  • Advance booking: Up to 90 days ahead, with advance fare pricing.
  • Transparency: Always displays cheapest fare options, matching online platforms.
  • Optional enhancements: Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) screens for live updates.
  • Several kiosks retrofitted with Customer Information Screens, offering live train times, delays, and cancellations—especially helpful where staff aren't available.
  • Industry Recognition: Cammax’s innovation earned a nomination for Ticketing Technology of the Year (TTG 2024).