The number of corporate rail bookings fulfilled using FastTicket machines is 80% according to figures released by TheTrainline, the UK`s online rail retailer.

The current National Ticket on Departure scheme allows collection of tickets at most mainline UK rail stations. Currently there are over 60 stations in the scheme and the number of stations where this service is available is due to increase significantly during 2006.

Adrian Watts, Sales Director for TheTrainline says: FastTicket machines reduce congestion at station ticket offices leaving staff free to deliver improved customer service. It therefore makes sense to make additional investment and increase the availability of these machines at stations throughout the UK.

In addition to FastTicket machines at stations more corporate customers are demanding their own FastTicket machine at key office locations. From the corporate perspective, travellers get their tickets easily even if it is a last minute booking. This drives natural adoption, which in turn drives corporate travel policy, reducing maverick buying at station window.

TheTrainline is continuing to develop new ways to make rail booking more customer-friendly. There is a Research and Development team dedicated to new ticketing technologies to make business travel even easier.