WITH inflation-busting rises in ticket prices at the turn of the year, rail passengers have been hit hard.

But rail operator First Capital Connect (FCC) is introducing two cost-saving measures to help lighten the burden.

Charges for using cash machines at stations are being abolished, while those who drive environmentally-friendly vehicles can now get a 10 per cent parking discount, if they pay by phone.

All ATMs at FCC stations currently charge a fee for withdrawals – the average being �1.80.

But the contract to supply the cash machines is at an end; and the new supplier will provide facilities that are free.

Stations in Times Territory that will get the free-to-use-machines – to be installed by mid-March – are at Hatfield, Potters Bar and Knebworth.

FCC customer services director Keith Jipps said: “After receiving much feedback regarding the cash machine charges we took the decision to abolish these fees as soon as the contract we were tied into came to an end.

“I am confident our customers will welcome the change once it is completed in March.”

Meanwhile, the car parking discount has been launched in a bid to promote environmental awareness.

Customers who drive low-emission vehicles registered in bands A to C with the DVLA will get 10 per cent off the cost of parking, if they pay by credit or debit card via RingGo, FCC’s mobile payment system.

Customers using normal pay-and-display machines will not be eligible for the discount.

FCC customer services commercial manager David Burns said: “We are dedicated to improving the environment.

“Carbon-metered parking benefits the environment; not just from the company point of view, of reducing resource requirements and promoting a move to electronic payments, but also by encouraging motorists to think about the type of vehicle they drive.”