Platform ticket
Encyclopedia
A platform ticket is a type of rail ticket
issued by some railway systems, permitting the bearer to access the platforms of a railway station, but not to board and use any train services. It allows people to walk with their friends and loved ones all the way to the passenger car at stations where the general public is not admitted to platforms. Railfans can also purchase platform tickets and enjoy their trainspotting hobbies. They vary in type: some may only allow limited access and a sharply limited time of usage, while others may have totally free access to enter the platform area. During peak usage hours or rush hours, the platforms may only be available for passengers who intend to travel.
Some heritage railways and museums issue platform tickets, for admittance or as souvenirs.
Ticket (admission)
A ticket is a voucher that indicates that one has paid for admission to an event or establishment such as a theatre, movie theater, amusement park, zoo, museum, concert, or other attraction, or permission to travel on a vehicle such as an airliner, train, bus, or boat, typically because one has...
issued by some railway systems, permitting the bearer to access the platforms of a railway station, but not to board and use any train services. It allows people to walk with their friends and loved ones all the way to the passenger car at stations where the general public is not admitted to platforms. Railfans can also purchase platform tickets and enjoy their trainspotting hobbies. They vary in type: some may only allow limited access and a sharply limited time of usage, while others may have totally free access to enter the platform area. During peak usage hours or rush hours, the platforms may only be available for passengers who intend to travel.
Japan
Companies of Japan Railways Group (JR Group) sell priced between 120 yen and 160 yen at all staffed stations and , which allow unlimited access to the platform area for one month, priced between 3,780 yen and 4,890 yen at limited stations. They do not allow holders to enter into coaches. Among JR Group stations, all staffed stations of JR East, JR Central and JR West and stations of JR Hokkaidō with automatic ticket gates limit the validity of the ticket to two hours from issuance; additional fee is charged if the ticket holder exits the ticket gate after the two-hour period expires.United Kingdom
Platform tickets were in common use on the mainline network until the mid 20th Century, however the majority of ticket offices are still equipped to issue them. The use of automated ticket barriers at stations has resulted in a renewed demand for platform tickets. Railfans in particular are advised that they may require a platform ticket for access to platforms, but some individuals have expressed difficulty in obtaining them.Some heritage railways and museums issue platform tickets, for admittance or as souvenirs.