Platform Validators are live across the NI Railways network at all stations for customers to validate their tickets and smartcards.

At Staffed Stations

Customers using Translink Smartcards, Paper Barcode and Mobile (mLink) Barcode Tickets should use the Platform Validators located at platform entrances.

Present or Tap the following at the Validator before boarding the train:

• NI Railways Paper Barcode Tickets
• Mobile (mLink) Barcode Tickets
• iLink Smartcards   
• aLink Smartcards
• EA SmartPasses (Rail Pupil & Rail FE)
• Belfast Visitor Pass (In Belfast Zone)

At Non-Staffed Stations

Customers using Translink Smartcards should use the Platform Validators located at platform entrances. Tap these smartcards on the Validator before boarding the train:

• iLink Smartcards
• aLink Smartcards
• EA Smartpasses (Rail Pupil & Rail FE)
• Belfast Visitor Pass (In Belfast Zone)

All tickets will still be checked/validated by the Conductor on board the train.

Senior, 60+, Blind, War Pensioner, RoI Senior and Half Fare SmartPasses

The above SmartPasses cannot be validated on Platform Validators.

Passengers should continue to print a Paper Ticket which will have a barcode, from Rail Ticket Vending Machines and validate their ticket by scanning it on the Platform Validator barcode readers at Staffed Stations only.

Passengers can also get their ticket printed from an on-train conductor.

This is the next step in Translink’s ongoing delivery of a new Ticketing System in preparation for ‘Tap On Tap Off’ with Contactless bank cards in the future.