The gating of Sheffield station footbridge is causing Stagecoach franchise, East Midlands Trains, no end of trouble.
The installation of automatic ticket gates, originally a franchise commitment, is defended by Stagecoach on the grounds of revenue protection and reducing anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, the local burghers of Sheffield are up in arms as EMT's gating proposals will prevent pedestrians using a well established walkway linking the city centre with the large estates of Norfolk Park and Park Hill, as well as the station's tram stop (prop. Stagecoach).
In an attempt to defuse the row EMT proposes allowing "every person associated with Sheffield to register for a free smartcard which will allow access across the station".
A further concession will allow mobility impaired people access without restriction.
A reasonable compromise perhaps.
However, each smartcard will be issued against an address allowing EMT to "easily spot and tackle fraudsters".
Is The Fact Compiler alone in worrying about commerical operation Stagecoach creating a vast database of Sheffield citizens and recording their movements across the City?
