LYE train station has got a new ticket vending machine after it was unveiled by London Midland this morning (Tuesday, January 10).

The installation comes as part of an ongoing programme where 28 new machines have been installed across the train operator’s network to make rail travel easier than ever before.

Featuring contactless technology to speed up the process, Lye’s new machine offers ticket options to reach any UK destination, as well as including railcard discounts, at the touch of a button.

It can also be used to collect tickets ordered online via London Midland’s ‘Click and Collect’ system as soon as 15 minutes after ordering.

Richard Brooks, commercial director at London Midland, added: “We are committed to making travel simple for everyone.

“Continuing to invest in the things that really matter to our passengers, and making it easier and quicker to buy tickets is just one of the ways we are improving the service we offer.

“The new ticket vending machines will allow passengers a more streamlined ticket buying process, enabling more people to be serviced during rush hour periods and improving out-of-hours ticket provision and collection.”

During the term of the train operator’s franchise, more than £15 million has been invested in customer experience and technology.

Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for rail and Midland Metro for Transport for West Midlands, said: “Millions of rail journeys are made in this region every year and these new machines will play a huge part in ensuring passengers can get tickets quickly and with the minimum of fuss, while also ensuring London Midland gets the revenue it needs to allow them to continue to re-invest in its network.”