This often results in missing my train, so I often get on the next train and hope I can buy a ticket on board.

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And the rail operator says it will provide better on-board services, new ticket machines and wireless internet access at stations and on trains.

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On its website, Virgin Trains warns travellers they will be charged an excess or penalty fare if they board a train without a ticket or attempt to change from standard to first class without a first class ticket.

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Last year, "Ticket to Ride" was one of the top paid board games in Apple's app store.

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Alan Connett had a ticket from Newton Abbot to London Paddington, but decided to board the train up the line at Exeter after his circumstances changed.

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The early finish proved a blow to the coffers of both the MCC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as nearly 20, 000 ticket-holders for Saturday will have to be refunded.

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The machine is out of order, so he carefully writes in the date by hand, gets on board, and is fined by the conductor for not having a valid ticket.

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In Windsor, the racecourse will be used as a public transport hub from where spectators can board shuttle buses for the events at Eton Dorney rowing Lake, but locals fear ticket-holders will cut costs by using their own transport and parking cars in residential areas.

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