Stanley man to retire after decades of ticket machine fixing

Alex Carr, 60, from Dipton, Stanley, has been the head of maintenance for the 225 ticket machines across every Metro station – machines he sees as his ‘children’.

Mr Carr, who started as an apprentice electrician in 1985, has been crucial to the upkeep of the first generation of analogue ticket machines and played a key role in the shift to the current digital ones.

Reflecting on his career, he said: “I’m proud to have looked after these ticket machines for so many years.

“I know these ticket machines so well, they’re like my children. I’ve become fond of them. I know all their little quirks.

“I’ve been a small but important cog in the wheel to ensure that the Metro keeps running. Forty years is a long time to focus just on ticket machines, but I’ve loved it.

“You know that you’re playing such an important role, not only safeguarding vital ticket revenue but ensuring customers aren’t inconvenienced. Without ticket machines, you don’t really have a railway.”

Mr Carr started his career on the Metro when the system was brand new, having transferred from the Northern bus company.

He worked to keep the machines running during the pandemic and ensured they were ready to accept new non-paper banknotes.

John Fenwick, director of finance and resources at Nexus, said: “Alex has given us outstanding service over the last four decades.

“Alex’s knowledge of our ticket machines is second to none, and he will be a big miss.

“He’s been a great servant to Nexus, and we wish him well for the future.”