Some franchise specifications have included requirements to install ticket gates at specific stations. These requirements are based upon detailed business case analysis and expected revenue increases. In some cases these are specified within the contract because they have a pay-back period longer than the franchise term. Such schemes increase the value of the franchise in future years, reducing the long term cost of the railway to the taxpayer.
Bidders are also required to detail their wider revenue protection strategies as part of their bids.
Bidders have proposed gating schemes as part of their own revenue protection strategies and where these are offered the Department for Transport seeks to contractualise this commitment.