FIRST North Western, the region's train operator, is cracking down on fare dodging with a 42-strong squad of inspectors poised to hit stations.
The ticket collectors will not have a fixed pattern so fare evaders will not be able to predict when and where they will be. Anyone getting off a train may get stopped and those without a valid ticket will be forced to purchase one or face prosecution. All the region's stations will be covered so there will be little chance of avoiding the collectors.
John Feighery, project manager, said: "The scheme is designed to stop non-paying travellers abusing the system. This tough action is designed to eliminate fare evasion and fare dodgers now have a high risk of being caught.
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