I get that the software design can probably at least be refined in situ but am so disappointed that so little real intelligent thought has been put into the positioning of the machines, which will be much more expensive to remedy.
Facing into the sun, exposed to heavy rain, positioned on ‘vortex corners’ in windy locations are bad enough. There is also the ‘ancillary issues’ question. For example, many machines are on platforms and hence close to passing trains. Anybody with a dog or young child has to hold on to them whilst attempting to use the interface, probably with their non-dominant hand. Then try extricating your bank card from a wallet single-handedly. At least an enclosed waiting shelter, like at Chinley, means that you can ‘let go’ for a few seconds.
Then there is the ‘coffee cup problem’. Most people these days seem to carry a drink container at all times and the train companies actually encourage people to always have water with them on hot days. Many people arrive at the machine toting a coffee that they have just purchased at a kiosk or shop on the way to the station and then have nowhere to put it down. Nobody would try and market a car these day’s without beverage holders so why aren’t they included with ticket machines?
These may seem like trivial issues but in real life it is all the faffing around with cups, leads, pushchair handles, umbrellas and what-have-you that extends transaction times and creates a stressful environment whilst people struggle to peer at the screen through rain-splattered bi-focals.
