ALTON and Bentley stations are to get state-of-the-art video ticket machines.

The stations are among 91 across the SouthWest Trains network where the machines will be made available.

Part of a £50million investment to improve passenger experience, the new machines are permanently linked to a contact centre and will help passengers find the correct and best-value tickets for their journeys.

A further 84 ‘quick- buy’ ticket machines are also being installed at many of the busiest stations served by SWT, including London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Southampton Airport Parkway and Basingstoke.

It is believed to be the first network of its kind in the country linked to a dedicated contact centre with specially trained staff who can offer face-to-face advice.

Other areas of improvement will include 100 customer ambassadors in stations and 1,400 additional car parking spaces across the network, together with a new website and smartphone ap.

The video ticket machines will offer the features passengers will already be familiar with, including pre-booked ticket collection and tickets for immediate travel.

The screen also includes a help-me button, which a passenger can press at any time and be immediately connected to a dedicated contact centre in Basingstoke. Staff there can offer advice and guidance and, if needed, take control of the passenger’s screen and remotely complete the purchase for them if necessary.

Arthur Pretorius, customer service director for SWT, said: “We are delighted to be rolling out the UK’s first integrated and large scale network of video ticket machines.

“They will significantly improve the experience of our passengers and provide real-time guidance and help passengers make sure they get the best value fare for their journey, 24 hours a day.”