Ticket Machine History

[passenger859]

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread on ticket machine history, apologies if one alreadylexists.

I’ve always had an interest in the history of the predecessors to the Arriva Yorkshire Ltd operation, particularly in the years following the period where I became interested as buses as a child, around de-regulation in the mid to late 1980s.

I remember the West Riding Group (sold to Caldaire Holdings in 1987 under National Bus Compnany privatisation) introducing the first generation electronic Wayfarer Machines towards the end of 1986. I think they piloted the system at their Selby depot for a number of months before rolling out to the other larger depots the following year. Prior to this, for as long as I’m able to remember, they had used the manual Almex A machines with the fascinating coloured stage/fare selection sliders and white plastic issue/slider reset lever.

I’d specifically be interested to know which system West Riding / Yorkshire Woollen used before the Almex A. I’ve seen photos from mid 70s where, from the shape, the machine fitted was not Almex A. I’m wondering, did the perhaps use the Sertright machines with the layers of rotary disc sliders and handle on the side?

I’d be really interested to hear and appreciate any detail on the history if anyone is in the know.

Thanks!

[Deleted]

When I first started travelling the buses if I recall correctly they were Bell Punch machines later replaced by Setright? machines which what looked like telephone dial on them

[passenger859]

May 2, 2020 20:13:01 GMT 1 @keithx12 said:

When I first started travelling the buses if I recall correctly they were Bell Punch machines later replaced by Setright? machines which what looked like telephone dial on them

Thanks AY - yes, I’ve heard of the Bell Punch. Didn’t they just have a row of different ticket values and a press down action lever to dispense? Presumably also a counter on of each type for cash reconciliation


I remember the Setright with the kind of layers of telephone dial all one silver colour. Never saw them on West Riding. They always had the Almex as far back as I remember. I do remember conductors on some of them too... just about!

[chas]

May 2, 2020 21:17:36 GMT 1 passenger859 said:

May 2, 2020 20:13:01 GMT 1 @keithx12 said:

When I first started travelling the buses if I recall correctly they were Bell Punch machines later replaced by Setright? machines which what looked like telephone dial on them

Thanks AY - yes, I’ve heard of the Bell Punch. Didn’t they just have a row of different ticket values and a press down action lever to dispense? Presumably also a counter on of each type for cash reconciliation


I remember the Setright with the kind of layers of telephone dial all one silver colour. Never saw them on West Riding. They always had the Almex as far back as I remember. I do remember conductors on some of them too... just about!

Leeds used the Ultimate machine in the 50s/60s but when I worked on Samuel Ledgard and then West Yorkshire, they used the Setright Speed. I didn't like wasting ticket roll but one time got into trouble because the end of the roll disappeared into the machine! Bob Mockfort has a good website on these things.